Bathing beach sample results for 2009 are reported as follows and will be updated as additional test results are received.

High priority beaches are sampled weekly, medium priority beaches biweekly and low priority beaches monthly.

Samples are analyzed for entercocci bacteria, with results reported as the geometric mean of the number of "colony forming units" (CFU) per 100 ml of water for three samples collected at the beach each date. Maryland Department of the Environment Regulations establish the following limits for bacteria:

• 104 CFU - for samples collected on a single date, at high and medium priority beaches.
   
• 158 CFU - for samples collected on a single date at low priority beaches.
   
• 35 CFU - for all samples collected at the beach over the previous 30 days.
   

The table shows results of samples collected to date as well as the present status based on the most recent testing. After 30 days worth of sampling has been conducted, the status will reflect the most recent testing and the past results.

It is important to note that sample results reflect the water conditions at a particular time and that surface waters are not bacteria free; water which is muddy or murky looking such as after a heavy rainfall is more likely to have higher levels of bacteria. Parents of young children should be especially cautious, since the children may be more vulnerable to infections from contaminated water, as well as more likely to swallow water when swimming or playing.