07/25/2026
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Bacteria Levels are HIGH in the upper reaches of our coastal tributaries following heavy rains earlier this week 🛑 If you are out on the water this weekend, make sure you are rinsing off and avoiding water contact if you have open wounds.
Use caution, and avoid letting pets play in the water this weekend.
Levels will return to normal in the coming days.
Assateague Coastal Trust's bacteria monitoring results for 07.22.26 are now available on Swim Guide! https://www.theswimguide.org/
🔬 Your Assateague Coastkeeper samples and tests water at multiple locations across our watershed, following strict scientific protocols to ensure you have the most accurate data—just in time for the weekend.
✅ Check the status of your favorite swim spots and enjoy the water responsibly! Always follow recommended best practices when recreating in the waterways, especially 24-48 hours after a significant rain event!
This program follows the Environmental Protection Agency's standard protocols for collecting and analyzing water samples and then distributing data on bacteria levels.
Our goal is to provide you with the current bacteria levels to make educated decisions about your contact with the water. Bacteria levels will vary based on location, land use, and weather, making systematic, scientific analysis of local water quality vital.
📢PLEASE NOTE -
*There are inherent risks associated with open water swimming and recreational contact including, but not limited to, bacterial infections.
* Bacteria levels can change, particularly because of significant rain events (>1").
Anything higher than 104 cfu is a failing sample, and anything below 104 cfu is a passing sample.
*We recommend that you always rinse off after swimming in the water, never swim with open wounds, avoid water contact for 24-48 hours after a significant rain event and always obey signage and local laws whenever swimming in open water.
*Please note, not all sites are designated swimming areas.
