Those looking to participate in water activities in Pasadena may want to rethink their plans.
The Anne Arundel County Department of Health issued a "direct water contact" advisory for the Atlantic Marina Resort on the Patapsco River in Pasadena. Residents are advised to avoid swimming, water skiing, or other activities that result in direct contact with the water due to high levels of bacteria found in the harbor.
Fort Smallwood Park and Sandy Point State Park Beaches are also closed. For a full list of closings and warnings, visit the Health Department's website.
The advisory will remain in effect until water samples show bacteria levels have fallen to a threshold that meets the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standard. Water samples are checked regularly during the summer, the department said. Signs have been posted at the beach.
Those who do come in contact with the affected water should wash thoroughly with soap and warm water, and their clothing should be washed.
Bacteria levels can be raised for many reasons, such as the heavy rains that caused flooding that washed debris, garbage, and sewer overflows into area waterways, many Marylanders