SUN: 4 beaches placed under health advisories in Anne Arundel County

July 8, 2026 - 01:22

Four beaches in Anne Arundel County are now under health advisories after recent water tests showed elevated bacteria levels. The county's Department of Health issued the warnings last week, urging swimmers and visitors to take precautions.

The affected locations include popular spots along the Chesapeake Bay and local rivers. Officials reported that routine sampling detected higher-than-acceptable concentrations of enterococci, a bacteria often linked to fecal contamination. Exposure can cause gastrointestinal illness, skin rashes, and ear or eye infections, especially in children and those with weakened immune systems.

Health department staff will continue to monitor the water quality and will lift the advisories once bacteria levels drop to safe limits. In the meantime, residents are advised to avoid swimming, wading, or any direct contact with the water at these beaches. Signs have been posted at the sites to inform the public.

The advisories come during a busy summer season when many families head to the shore. Local environmental groups have pointed to recent heavy rains as a likely factor, as stormwater runoff can wash pollutants into waterways. The county typically tests dozens of beaches each week from May through September to ensure public safety.