Some samples after heavy rains earlier in the week were hundreds of times higher than the federal safe contact bacteria limit of 104 parts per million. "It did not surprise me at all," said South Riverkeeper Diana Muller. "We expected high counts."
Her recent testing is also showing oxygen levels dropping and temperatures rising, creating dangerous conditions for creatures living in the water, and humans too. "It is setting up for a super mess," she said.
"This stresses how closely the health of our waterways is tied to how we use the land. Each time it rains, the detritus of daily life is flushed into our waterways," said Erik Michelsen, the federation's executive director said.
Some testing on the South River turned up readings off the charts. The South River Federation runs a summertime bacteria reading program that neighborhoods can sign up for and get their swimming beach areas tested.
South River Park, by Warehouse Creek, topped the list at 2,160 parts per million. South River Manor, off Broad Creek registered 1,560 parts per million. Other locations had readings of 1,350 and 1,052.
Only two sites tested Wednesday were within safety limits. Cape St. John and Shoreham Beach, both located on the South River, tested at 64 parts per million.
The West River reported some high counts. Testing done by the West/Rhode Riverkeeper in the Rhode River won't be reported until Monday.
"But I fully expect to see them pretty high," Riverkeeper Chris Trumbauer said.
He said runoff from storms will wash animal waste, human waste and other pollutants into the water. "But when you get high numbers with commas in them that is a really bad sign. The risk of infection is more likely, there is a higher risk of contracting bacteria related sickness, as the numbers climb," he said.
Anne Arundel County Health Department bacteria readings taken Tuesday after the rain were also off the charts,
Their bacteria readings in the South River also spiked above 1,000 parts per million. Testing elsewhere showed bacteria levels spiked at a few other spots along the Magothy and Chesapeake Bay. But none as bad as the South.
The health department retests sites that score inordinately high. If two consecutive tests are high an advisory is issued.
Department spokesman Elin Jones said only two areas, both in Pasadena, were closed this summer. Bayside Beach on the Patapsco River was posted June 30 and that warning was lifted July 6. Rockwood Beach at the mouth of Rock Creek was closed from July 6 to July 9.
Use caution
But there are ways to protect oneself from possible problems.
"We have a pre-emptive warning that you should not be swimming in natural waters for 48-hours after a heavy rainfall," Jones said. "Hopefully people are mindful of that and taking precautions."
She also warned people with wounds or infections to beware.
"Anyone with a wound, or any kind of skin rash or infection, or ear infection should be careful," she said. "All natural bodies of water have some risk. You don't want to take that chance of getting a serious problem."
There have not been any outbreak noted so far this year, but conditions are just now getting ripe.
The worst problem have been associated with a strain of the vibrio vulnificus bacteria which occurs naturally in the water but explodes in intensity when water temperatures get to 80 degrees and above. The bacteria also thrives in waters with a significant level of organic matter and sewage.
Storms in hot weather can boost it too. The stormwater is warmed by heated surfaces and carries nutrients and bacteria into waterways. The spike in temperature eases vibrio growth.
In 2006 two men who came into contact with the Rhode River, and also had scratches on their legs, ended up in the hospital, one nearly died.
There is no warning, or way to test for it in advance. But the general rule is stay out of the water if you have a cut, scrape, or other skin problem once the water hits 80 degrees.
Early predictions possible
The Cooperative Oxford Laboratory on the Eastern Shore, which combines research efforts and is supported by the Department of Natural Resources and National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, is testing a preliminary model to be able to predict outbreaks.
"It is now going through a thorough peer review," said Robert Wood, director of the lab. "We are working with state agencies as program partners... on how to best utilize a predictive model to help manage the problem and alert the public."
He thinks it might be ready to roll out next year.
The South and West/Rhode Riverkeepers are thinking of applying for a combined grant to help pinpoint bacteria sources. Many have been tied to failing septic and sewer problems.
"We would be teaming up on a grant proposal for bacteria source tracking. We want to find where it is coming from, if it is human related from failing septic or sewer lines, or pet waste," Trumbauer said. "We want to find out where it is coming from and do something about it."
In the meantime take heed and stay informed.
"People going boating, swimming or water skiing should check to see what the readings are in the area they want to recreate in," Jones said.
Area Riverkeepers and the Department of Health post weekly or monthly readings online. Check Riverkeeper sites online.
The Department of Health at www.aahealth.org has readings from dozens of sites in county waterways. Residents can also sign up for e-mail or text message alerts on the site.
