Anne Arundel Co. Issues 'No Swimming' Advisories At 2 Beaches Over Bacteria Levels

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — Residents in the county are being told not to swim in the Bayside and Upper Magothy beaches after officials detected "high enterococci or bacteria levels" in the water.

A release issued by the Anne Arundel County Department of Health states that, as of Wednesday, residents should avoid any activities that involve direct contact with either of the beaches, such as swimming or waterskiing.

"The advisory is in effect until follow-up testing shows water quality conditions are acceptable," reads the release.

No further details about the water quality were provided.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, enterococci are bacteria that live in the gastrointestinal tracts of humans and warm-blooded animals. High levels can indicate possible fecal waste contamination.

"Sources of fecal indicator bacteria such as enterococci include wastewater treatment plant effluent, leaking septic systems, stormwater runoff, sewage discharged or dumped from recreational boats, domestic animal and wildlife waste, improper land application of manure or sewage and runoff from manure storage areas, pastures, rangelands and feedlots," the EPA states.

However, the bacteria can also develop naturally through plants, sand or sediments.

Anne Arundel County officials have not specified what may have caused the spike in the bacteria levels.

Residents can get the latest developments by visiting the department's website or by calling the water quality phone line at (410) 222-7999.