ECA EcoAction Committee Water Quality Monitoring Program
As the summer's heat and humidity increases, the waters of the Chesapeake Bay beckon. But is it OK to swim?
Click to see the Background Data for this report
The ECA EcoAction committee has launched the Water Quality Monitoring Program for the Eastport Peninsula to create awareness of the pollutants in our water. We will be monitoring every other week throughout the season, starting in May and ending in August. By raising awareness levels, we hope to encourage residents to take action on their own property and in the neighborhood. Stay tuned for more information as we progress throughout the summer.
The monitoring program is testing for enterococci, a bacteria found in the intestine of all warm-blooded animals. The enterococci themselves are not likely to cause illness, but their presence is an indicator that the waters around Eastport could contain bacteria and other microorganisms that are likely to make us ill. Enterococci indicates that fecal waste is entering Spa Creek and Back Creek. The source may be a failing septic system, pet waste, or a failing boat head -- it might even be a flock of Canada geese. Whatever the source, this waste is likely to contain organisms that could make us ill.
Stormwater can also bring bacteria from failing septic systems, pet waste on lawns and at curbs, as well as fecal waste from wildlife in the area. A beach that normally has enterococci levels in the 10s during dry weather can easily have counts in the hundreds or thousands after a rain storm.
The Anne Arundel County Department of Health cautions that all Anne Arundel County beaches are under a 'no swimming' and 'no direct water contact' advisory for 48 hours after rain fall due to predicted elevated bacteria levels. It is strongly suggested that you do not swim until 48 hours after rainfall or until the water clears.
What is the effect of swimming in contaminated water?
The most common illness associated with boating or swimming in water with high bacterial populations is gastrointestinal illness, such as cramping and diarrhea. In addition, infection of any cuts or areas of broken skin is much more likely if the water is contaminated. Bathers may experience ear infections. People who are immune-compromised such as pregnant women or people who are taking immunosuppressive drugs, or the very young or the elderly, are the most susceptible to illnesses associated with contact with contaminated water. Pets, such as swimming dogs, can also be affected by contact with contaminated water.
The Three ECA EcoAction Water Monitoring Locations:
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Spa Creek - at the end of Fourth Street
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Horn Point Park
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Back Creek - at Mears Marina
ECA EcoAction signs have been posted at these locations directing people to the ECA website to view the results of our monitoring program.
For more info, go to: aahealth.org/programs/env-hlth/rec-water/risks
Water samples are being analyzed by Sally G. Hornor, Ph.D. Sally is a Professor of Biology at the Anne Arundel Community College in Arnold, Md.
Note: Enterococci are enumerated using EPA Method 1600. The EPA has determined that this group of bacteria is the best indicator of recent fecal contamination of recreational water. Water with enterococci counts (CFU) up to 104/100ml is considered safe for swimming or boating.