LEONARDTOWN — The St. Mary’s County Health Department has launched its annual beach water monitoring program for the 2026 summer season, testing public beaches throughout the county to provide timely information on water quality for swimmers and beachgoers across Southern Maryland.
From Memorial Day through Labor Day, the Environmental Health Division routinely collects and analyzes water samples at monitored beaches. Results are generally updated weekly on Fridays and posted on the SMCHD Beach Monitoring Page at smchd.org/beach. Current advisories are available there for residents of St. Mary’s County and visitors from Calvert and Charles counties who frequent local waterways.
Staff test for enterococcus, bacteria commonly found in the digestive systems of people and animals. Elevated levels can indicate increased risk of illness for swimmers. Test results are compared to health-based standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and adopted by Maryland. If levels exceed the state’s beach action value, the health department issues a public advisory.
“Summer is an important time for residents and visitors to enjoy St. Mary’s County’s beautiful waterways,” said Dr. Meena Brewster, St. Mary’s County Health Officer. “Our beach monitoring program helps provide timely information so community members can make informed decisions and enjoy a safe and healthy summer season.”
Popular Southern Maryland beaches along the Potomac River, Patuxent River and Chesapeake Bay tributaries are used heavily by families from Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties. While monitoring provides important data, swimming in natural waters is never risk-free. Conditions can change quickly due to rain, tides or other factors. Naturally occurring hazards — including harmful algal blooms or bacteria such as Vibrio — may still be present even when enterococcus levels meet standards.
Beachgoers are encouraged to check current advisories before swimming and to follow healthy beach habits, such as avoiding swimming after heavy rain, not swallowing water and showering after swimming. Detailed guidance is available through the Maryland Healthy Beaches Program and the SMCHD Healthy Beach Habits page.
The program supports broader efforts to protect public health in Southern Maryland’s coastal communities. Reports from the public also help the department respond to potential issues. Anyone who sees a distressed or injured marine mammal or sea turtle should report it to the Maryland Natural Resources Police Hotline at 800-628-9944.
St. Mary’s County beaches are monitored as part of the statewide Maryland Healthy Beaches Program. The data helps protect recreational users while supporting the county’s tourism economy and quality of life for residents.
For the most current information, Southern Maryland residents and visitors should visit smchd.org/beach or the Maryland Department of the Environment’s Healthy Beaches website. The health department reminds everyone that personal responsibility and awareness remain key to a safe summer at the beach.
