Swim Advisory Issued for Three Beaches in Anne Arundel County

The Anne Arundel County Department of Health has issued swim advisories for three local beaches: Bayside Beach, Upper Magothy Beach, and Carrollton Manor. Residents are advised to refrain from swimming or engaging in other water-related activities until the advisories are lifted.

Each year, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, the department conducts tests on the water quality at its 84 beaches. Recent testing, conducted last Monday, revealed elevated levels of enterococci bacteria at the three affected beaches. Results were reported back to the department on Wednesday.

Don Curtain, director of environmental health, explained that enterococci bacteria can originate from various sources, including animal waste and natural occurrences among warm-blooded animals. He emphasized that there is currently no evidence linking the bacteria to sewage overflow or septic system failures. However, contact with the water is still discouraged.

“If you do come in contact with the water, it is important to wash with warm soap and water,” Curtain advised. “The primary concern is to avoid ingesting the water, as it can lead to gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea or vomiting.”

Fortunately, Curtain noted that the bacteria levels typically decrease naturally, usually within a week, due to tidal action and environmental factors. The department plans to conduct follow-up tests on the water, with results expected by the following Wednesday, to determine when normal activities can safely resume.

Reported by HarborBeat based on WMAR-2 News (source).