Weekend Beach Closures Because Of High Bacteria Levels

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Several beaches in the area closed to swimming, water skiing and other water contact because of either high bacteria levels or debris, according to the Anne Arundel County Department of Health. High bacteria levels found in water sample results at the Atlantic Marina Resort on the Patapsco River in Pasadena have closed it.

Also closed are:

• Bay Ridge Beach at Bay Drive and Chesapeake Bay Foundation Beach, in Annapolis.
• Beverly Beach in Edgewater.
• Sandy Point South Beach in Annapolis also had high bacteria levels and was already closed for swimming because of debris in the water.

Beaches at Fort Smallwood Park Swimming Beach and Sandy Point State Park’s East and Middle reopened, the department said Friday.

For the most recent water quality report and bacteria counts, click here and scroll down. The beaches are tested regularly during the summer as part of the department’s recreational water quality sampling program. The advisory will remain in effect until water samples show bacteria levels to be at an acceptable level that meets the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standard.

The Department of Health has posted advisory signs at the beach. The Department warns anyone who comes in contact with the affected water to wash well with soap and warm water immediately. Clothing should also be washed.

Many factors, such as rainfall, can cause high bacteria readings.

For more information on the status of the advisory, call the Water Quality Line, 410-222-7999, or visit www.aahealth.org.

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