Assateague Coastal Trust's
Tidal Waters Monitoring Program
Spring & Summer 2022
Turville Creek, Herring Creek, St. Martin River, Isle of Wight Bay, and Assawoman Bay
The information on this page, and accompanying alerts, are provided as a public service by Assateague Coastal Trust and the Assateague COASTKEEPER. We publish bacteria sample results (enterococcus), and the results of Worcester County’s official advisories on Swim Guide each week. Download the Swim Guide app HERE. Scroll down on this page to view table of the latest water quality indicators and sample results. The Assateague Coastal Trust Tidal Waters Monitoring Program begins May 26, 2022.
Only the State authorized County Health Department or Environmental Programs agencies can issue a Swimming Advisory. The Swim Guide App is to be used for guidance only.
is it safe to swim?
The EPA recommended cut-off for enterococcus bacteria levels is 104cfu/mL. When ACT measures a bacteria level of 105 cfu/mL of bacteria units per 100 ml sample or higher, it will be noted in red in the data table above. Samples exhibiting 105 cfu/mL of bacteria units per 100 mL sample or higher are also displayed as red swimmer icons on the Swim Guide app.
Don’t swim after a rainstorm. The general rule is to wait 48 hours after a precipitation event.
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Wash off with warm water and soap after recreating in on or around waterways.
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Don’t swim where there are posted beach closings or advisories.
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Don’t swim if you have open cuts, sores, or scratches.
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If you have an impaired immune system, check with your doctor about swimming in the coastal bays.
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If you notice a particularly red, swollen or blistered skin infection after swimming in bay water, seek qualified medical help immediately.
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If you develop gastrointestinal disease symptoms after swimming in the bay or eating shellfish, seek immediate medical treatment.
Bacteria samples (enterococcus) are sampled at each site, once per week (generally on Thursdays). Sample results are made available to the public 24 hours following the day samples were collected.
Water quality indicators and sample results reflect conditions at the time which data and samples were collected. It is important to note that certain water quality indicators can, and often do change daily. Precipitation events in the watershed can result in urban and agricultural runoff, which can impact the water quality of area waterways. It is important to monitor local water quality in conjunction with weather patterns.
To view the latest bacteria sample results provided by Worcester County, visit the county's Bathing Beach Advisories Page. These results are also reflected in Swim Guide.
To view the latest bacteria sample results provided by Virginia Dept. Health, visit their Swimming Advisories and Monitored Beaches Page.
*DNS indicates a sample was not collected or no data is available.
Water Quality Questions Or Concerns?
If you have questions regarding our
Tidal Waters Monitoring Program, concerns about water quality in local waterways, or need to report pollution, please contact
Assateague Coastkeeper, Gabby Ross at coastkeeper@actforbays.org