Bevins: County to Expand Water Qualtity Testing Programs

Since taking office, I have repeatedly heard concerns from many eastside communities, asking why the County had stopped sampling and testing the water quality in tidal recreational areas.  Baltimore County Department of Health has continually monitored our tidal and fresh water bathing beaches, in accordance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Beach Act; however, due to budget constraints, sampling of the the tidal recreational areas had been discontinued for the past few seasons. 

Last week, I announced that Baltimore County will expand its Water sampling program to once again include tidal recreational waters. 

I believe that the waterfront is one of Baltimore County's greatest assets, not just for our beaches, but also the boating, fishing, swimming, and other recreational activities it offers.  A lot of time and effort has gone in to promoting the waterfront and it was important to me that we keep our residents and visitors aware of any health-safety risks that may exist from time to time, in areas beyond just the county maintained beaches.

Therefore, I made a direct appeal to the County Executive with these concerns, and I am very pleased that the County Executive agreed to resume the tidal recreational sampling program.

County residents have a special connection to the water, and the resumption of this program shows a significant commitment to eastern Baltimore County.

With the expansion, the county will resume monitoring the water quality of the Bay and its tributaries, including:

• Back River
• Bear Creek
• Bird River
• Dundee Creek
• Gunpowder River
• Miami-Seneca Creek
• Middle River
• North Point State Park
• Old Road Bay
• Patapsco River (East)
• Patapsco River (Southwest Area Park - Fresh Waters)
• Patapsco River (Southwest Area Park - Tidal Waters)

More detailed information on Baltimore County's water testing program is available on the county's website at: www.baltimorecountymd.gov/watersampling