Health advisories issued at 3 Anne Arundel County beaches over high bacteria levels

Health advisories at 3 Anne Arundel County beaches are restricting swimming and direct water contact after tests detected elevated bacteria levels, as noted by the Baltimore Chronicle editorial team via CBS.

Which Anne Arundel County beaches are under advisory?

The Anne Arundel County Department of Health issued warnings for Bayside Beach, Upper Magothy Beach and Carrollton Manor.

The affected locations and advisory dates are:

Officials advise visitors to avoid swimming, waterskiing and other activities involving direct contact with the water. The beaches are not necessarily closed, but entering the water carries an increased health risk.

Why are high bacteria levels dangerous?

Testing found elevated enterococci or other bacterial indicators. These organisms can signal contamination from stormwater runoff, sewage, septic systems or animal waste.

Exposure to contaminated water may cause:

• stomach illness, nausea or diarrhea;
• skin, eye and ear infections;
• respiratory symptoms;
• infections in open cuts or wounds.

Children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems face greater risks. Visitors should also avoid cloudy or murky water, especially after heavy rainfall.

The county routinely issues a 48-hour no-swimming advisory after rainfall of at least 0.5 inches. Runoff can carry bacteria and other pollutants into rivers, creeks and beach areas.

When will the beach advisories be lifted?

Each advisory will remain active until follow-up testing confirms acceptable water quality. Health officials have not announced a fixed reopening time.

Residents should check the Anne Arundel County Department of Health water quality report before visiting. Updated information is also available through the county’s water quality phone line at 410-222-7999.

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