Three local beaches in Anne Arundel County have been found to have high bacteria readings for the last two weeks.
People are being warned against swimming or having contact with the water at Beverly Beach along the Chesapeake Bay near Mayo, at Londontown’s Arundel Road Beach on the South River in Edgewater and at Upper Magothy Beach in Severna Park.
Signs will be posted in the areas and people who do come into contact with water in those areas are being advised to wash well in warm, soapy water.
Clothing should also be washed.
The Baltimore Sun reports that the high bacteria levels were found in water sample collected on June 6th and June 13th as part of the County Health Department’s summertime beach testing program.
Health officials say they don't know yet what caused the high readings, but waterfowl, rainfall, water temperature and tidal action can contribute.
The advisory remains in effect until tests show acceptable levels.