Assateague Coastkeeper

10/07/2026

Please take results with a grain of salt -- we have had a significant rain event between when these samples were taken and when they were finished processing. Major rain events typically come with heightened bacteria levels in the upper reaches of our tributaries.

Have fun on the water, but exercise caution if you are up in the headwaters of any of the major tributaries on Isle of Wight where we sample.

Assateague Coastal Trust's bacteria monitoring results for 07.08.26 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.

03/07/2026

Happy 4th of July Weekend!!

As temperatures continue to climb we will see elevated bacteria levels in the coming days -- concentrated in the upper headwaters of our tributaries. However, areas in the open Bay are showing perfect levels for swimming and fishing! Enjoy the weekend.

Assateague Coastal Trust's bacteria monitoring results for 07.01.26 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.

26/06/2026

Following heavy rains, bacteria levels will spike. Stay safe and use caution on the water. Levels should return to normal in the coming days.

Assateague Coastal Trust's bacteria monitoring results for 06.24.26 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.

15/06/2026

Lets get on the water! 🌊

Assateague Coastal Trust's bacteria monitoring results for 06.10.25 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.

22/04/2026

We're ACTing to Protect Our Waterways! The 449th session of the Maryland General Assembly has come to a close. Check out some of our wins, lessons learned, and efforts to promote clean water legislation. - https://mailchi.mp/actforbays.org/were-acting-to-protect-our-waterways

17/03/2026

https://mailchi.mp/actforbays.org/youre-invited-toast-for-the-coast-celebrationToast for the Coast

06/03/2026

Another snippet of last weeks activities!

26/02/2026

🌊🌍 It's a bustling day here in Annapolis as your Assateague Coastkeeper!
We're actively pushing the agenda for our shores and rivers, advocating for the protection and preservation of our precious environment. Together, we can make a difference for future generations! 🛶

Stay tuned for updates on our efforts to ensure clean water and healthy ecosystems!

Pictured from left to right are the ShoreRivers-
Zach Kelleher- Sassafras Riverkeeper, Annie Richards - Chester Riverkeeper, Taylor Swanson - Assateague Coastkeeper, Ben Ford - Miles Wye Riverkeeper, and Matt Pluta - Choptank Riverkeeper.

25/02/2026

We Need Your Help. A Letter from Your Assateague Coastkeeper - https://mailchi.mp/actforbays.org/we-need-your-help

12/12/2025

🚨 Update on PFAS Pollution in Salisbury, MD 🚨

Perdue Farms has reported progress in addressing PFAS contamination at their facility, citing a firefighting foam as the main source. However, experts from Johns Hopkins warn that multiple contamination sites across the 300-acre property may still pose risks to nearby drinking water.

Residents and legal representatives are calling for comprehensive testing to ensure community safety as Perdue plans for expansion. Stay informed on this important issue! 🌊💧

For More Info ➡️ https://www.wmdt.com/2025/12/perdue-pfas-problems-persist-johns-hopkins-analysis-says/

Salisbury, Md. – Last month, Perdue shared an update on its ongoing investigation into PFAS pollution out of its facility on Zion Church Road in Salisbury, stating the company they had identified the source of the contamination as a firefighting foam used in a former fire suppression system. Howev...