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Monitoring and Data
Monitoring the Health of our Waterways
Scientific data enhances our understanding of our rivers. To that end, Arundel Rivers conducts seasonal water quality monitoring programs to collect tidal water quality data at stations distributed across the South, West, and Rhode and monitor bacteria levels at community sites.
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Our waterways are designated as impaired by the EPA. They suffer from excess nitrogen, phosphorus, sediment, and other pollutants. Arundel Rivers is dedicated to implementing restoration to reduce nutrient and sediment runoff; to educate the general public and the next generation of environmental stewards on best practices; and to enforce and advocate for the best environmental laws and regulations.
Tidal Monitoring
Our water quality data is collected from over 30 sites on the South, West, and Rhode rivers at the direction of the Riverkeeper.
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Bacteria Monitoring
We train volunteers to collect water samples from local waterways during the summer months to test for bacteria. Results are disseminated to ensure that communities receive timely information on water quality in their water recreation areas.
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Want To Help?
Our programs depend on the efforts of volunteers like YOU! If you are interested in helping, please contact us.
Tidal Monitoring
Arundel Rivers follows the Mid-Atlantic Tributary Assessment Coalition (MTAC) protocol for tidal monitoring. We sample over 30 sites twice a month from April to October on the South, West, and Rhode rivers. The parameters we measure include:
Dissolved oxygen (DO)
pH
Clarity
Salinity
Conductivity
Temperature
Nitrogen (NEW in 2024!)
Phosphorus (NEW in 2024!)
Chlorophyll a/algae (NEW in 2024!)
Our monitoring team produces an annual State of Our Rivers Report Card each spring to review the previous year’s data and trends. This data is a valuable tool in identifying pollution hot spots in need of restoration.
Bacteria Monitoring
During the most popular swimming months, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, Arundel Rivers monitors bacteria levels at various community waterfront locations. Specifically, we test for enterococci, a gut bacteria often found in fecal matter waste that can cause illness when exposed to humans and pets at certain levels. Sources of this bacteria can include waste water spills, failing septic tanks, or livestock, wildlife, or pet waste that enter our waterways through stormwater runoff. We aim to provide timely public health information to participating communities and help identify times when it may be inadvisable to swim or recreate. The full cost to sponsor a bacteria monitoring site for the season is $500.
Arundel Rivers posts the results of bacteria testing every Friday during the season on Swimguide.com (also a smartphone app) and on our social media pages. All samples are processed by Anne Arundel Community College. Arundel Rivers follows EPA guidelines and the recommended threshold of 104 cfu/100 ml for recreational swimming. Arundel Rivers recommends everyone follow the “golden rules” when considering swimming in our local waterways:
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Do not swim after a major rain event
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Do not swim with any open cuts or wounds
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Always check swimguide prior to swimming
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Always shower after swimming
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Interested in sponsoring a site, volunteering to collect bacteria water samples, or learning more about the bacteria monitoring program? Email us at info@arundelrivers.org or submit a form to volunteer.
