May 22, 2025 Bacteria Results

5/22/25 bacteria monitoring results are in for the first week of the monitoring season.

This week, 18 sites saw bacteria levels above the threshold considered safe for swimming– 12 on the South River, 4 on the West and Rhode Rivers, and 2 on the Mainstem Bay.

This is a test for enterococcus, an indicator of E. coli. Samples are collected Thursday mornings and processed by Anne Arundel Community College. Please note that bacteria levels can increase after major rain events. Arundel Rivers follows EPA guidelines and the recommended threshold of 104cfu/100mL for recreational swimming.

Please remember to follow the golden rules of swimming:

• Don’t swim after a major rain event

• Don’t swim with any open cuts or wounds

• Always check SwimGuide.org before swimming

Check back here each Friday for weekly bacteria monitoring results.