Swim Safe in the South River this Holiday Weekend! Bacteria Levels for the Week of 7/4

The South River Federation's swimming water bacteria results are in!  Samples were collected on the morning of July 2nd. Harbor Hills, Pine Wiff, and London Town Beach 5 yielded bacteria levels beyond what the County and EPA consder safe.  Concern arises when bacteria levels are greater than 104 cfu/100 ml. The area did not receive rain within the last 24 hours.  Therefore the 3 sites that have concentrations over 104cfu/100ml are likely due to sources other than stormwater runoff.  Please check the area for goose scat and dog waste which are other contributors to increased bacteria.

See chart for detailed results. If you have specific questions about the program or bacteria results, contact the South RIVERKEEPER Diana Muller.

In the Harbor Hills area we have been witnessing lot of Canada Geese swimming and walking the area.  Please do not encourage the geese and do not feed the geese.  Human food is not good for the Canada Geese and this encourages them to stay around.  Remember they “poop” a pound a day.

How Can I Stay Safe?

The Anne Arundel County Health Department states that after a rainfall, all Anne Arundel County beaches are under a no swimming/no direct water contact advisory for 48 hours due to predicted elevated bacteria levels from rainwater runoff and increased health risks.

All this bacteria talk may seem a bit intimidating to have to think about each time you swim. If you do go swimming, here are some simple tips. Try to remember the 48 hour rule of thumb.  Take a hot, soapy shower afterwards (this includes pets too!).  Take special precaution when you have an open wound and try to avoid getting that area wet if possible.

What is Operation Clearwater?

Operation Clearwater is a collaborative effort with Dr. Sally Hornor of AACC aimed at providing timely public health information to participating communities and helping to identify times when it may be inadvisable to swim.  The program runs Memorial Day through late August.

Do you want the swimming waters in your community tested?  Click here for the South River application.