Beards Creek Contaminated by 2,000 Gallon Sewage Spill

At 8 p.m. Wednesday, the Anne Arundel County Department of Health issued a warning against direct water contact for a section of Beards Creek in Riva.

The warning is in effect from Dec. 28 through Jan. 4, according to a release from the department.

The section of waterway is between Hoot Owl Road and Berkshire Drive in Riva. Beards Creek is a tributary to the South River. The creek divides Riva and Edgewater.

Many of the waterfront communities in Riva and Edgewater have water access and marinas along Beards Creek, including Waterford, Annapolis Landing, Berkshire, South River Farms, Sylvan Shores, Southdown Shores, Withernsea and the portion of Edgewater Beach that is behind Lee Airpark.

In an email alert to the public, the health department said the closure is due to a sewage spill that was caused by a sewer line blockage. About 2,000 gallons of sewage spilled into a portion of Beards Creek on Dec. 28.

The department is warning the public not to come into contact with the polluted water. If you come into contact, wash well with soap and warm, clean water immediately. Clothing also should be washed.

"The health risk is considered minimal due to the time of the year and few winter swimming activities," officials said in the email alert. "Warning signs have been posted in the area. The warning does not place restrictions on boating, fishing or crabbing."