Isaias Washes Sewage, Contaminants Into Anne Arundel Waterways

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — Residents should avoid swimming in waterways for the next 48 hours, the Anne Arundel County Department of Health says. Contaminants, including sewage, flowed into local streams on Tuesday after Tropical Storm Isaias soaked the area.

The Department of Health issues a no-swimming advisory after any storm that dumps more than a half inch of rain, but Isaias soared past that threshold. The storm poured more than 3.4 inches of rain on the county. Some areas saw nearly 6 inches of rain, County Executive Steuart Pittman said.

While the county is under its no-swimming and no-contact advisory, residents also shouldn’t jet ski, kayak or paddle board. The warning expires Thursday around 4:30 p.m.

Four Annapolis waterways face longer no-contact orders. Sewage overflowed into Back Creek, Lake Ogleton, Black Walnut Creek and Oyster Creek, rendering them dangerous for seven days.

Anybody who may have touched the contaminated waters should take a hot shower and wash their clothes immediately, the Department of Health advises.

The county’s Recreational Water Quality Program will not sample water or place signs at county beaches during the 48-hour precautionary period. Routine sampling will resume next week.

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