Latest water quality testing shows Ocean Pines within safe levels

(July 9, 2020) The latest numbers from Assateague Coastkeeper show waters near two Ocean Pines facilities are within safe levels.   

Last week, the Swim and Racquet Club showed elevated levels of the Enterococci bacteria, at 108.4 colony forming units (cfu) per 100 milliliters, based on readings from the “Swim Guide” app operated locally by Assateague Coastkeeper.  

According to Swim Guide, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers levels of more than 104 cfu per 100 milliliters to be “‘unsafe’ due to the increased risk of illness.”  

On Thursday, Kathy Phillips of the Assateague Coastkeeper organization said new testing data, performed today, showed both the Swim and Racquet Club (86.6) and White Horse Park Boat Ramp (72.6) at safe levels.   

Two other tests were performed in/around Ocean Pines, but not in areas controlled by the Association. Waters at Upper Manklin Creek, at the Annapolis Court Pier, tested at 633.8, while the St. Martin’s River, at Route 90, tested at 37 cfu per 100 milliliters. Testing is done weekly.   

According to Phillips, "Enterococci is an EPA recommended indicator for human health, but swimmers should know there are additional risks with open water swimming that we don't monitor like toxic algal blooms, vibrio and other biological toxins. Bacteria levels can also change, particularly as a result of significant rain events. Worcester County advises to not swim in our bayside open waters for 48 hours after a significant rainfall, because storm water runoff can carry bacteria, animal waste, and other pollutants into our creeks and bays. Ultimately, each individual is responsible for making the decision to swim in our creeks, river or bays."  

She encouraged residents and guests in Ocean Pines to download the free Swim Guide app and to check regularly before swimming. Coastkeeper tests dozens of similar bodies of water throughout the area, which the Association will continue to watch and report on.   

Ocean Pines is also working with Phillips on signage for the Swim and Racquet Club, to remind swimmers to check the app before going into the water.   

“I would urge people to download the app and start paying attention — be more aware or conscious. The best thing that can happen is that people want to be more protective of their waterways and improve things,” Phillips said.   

To download Swim Guide, visit www.theswimguide.org/get-the-app.