Swim Safe in the South River this Weekend! Bacteria Levels for the Week of 7/18

The South River Federation's swimming water bacteria results are in!  Samples were collected on the morning of July 18th. Pine Wiff and South River Manor yielded bacteria levels beyond what the County and EPA consder safe.  Concern arises when bacteria levels are greater than 104 cfu/100 ml. Although the area did receive rain Wednesday night, it did not rain before the samples were collected Wednesday morning. 

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

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.