High Bacteria Levels at Sandy Point Prompts Warning

The Anne Arundel County Department of Health issued an advisory Monday for swimmers to avoid Sandy Point State Park's east beach, due to high levels of bacteria.

Signs have been posted along the east beach noting the advisory to the public. 

"The Department advises people who have come in contact with the affected water to wash well with soap and warm water immediately. Clothing should also be washed. The advisory does not affect picnicking, boating or camping at the beach," the release stated.

The conditions of the south beach are acceptable, according to the advisory. It's only the east beach that shows high levels of bacteria.

, located at the eastern tip of the Broadneck peninsula, is a popular summer retreat for campers and beach bums.

You can monitor conditions of the waters online on the Maryland Eyes on the Bay website, or with Swim Guide, an app for smartphones that displays bacteria-monitoring data.

Chesapeake Bay waters are tested weekly during the summer as part of the health department's recreational-water-quality sampling program. The advisory will remain in effect until water samples show bacterial levels to be acceptable, according to the notice.

Many factors, such as water temperature, tidal action, waterfowl and rainfall, can cause high bacteria readings, according to the notice.

For more information on the status of the advisory, visit the health department’s website, or call the water quality hotline, 410-222-7999.