Gunpowder River - Monkton

Source Information

Gunpowder Riverkeeper takes a proactive role in safeguarding the watershed from threats to its health and stability through scientific monitoring of the river, engaging at the source to address identified threats. We advocate for stronger enforcement of our laws for clean water in both the Gunpowder and Bush River Watersheds and the Chesapeake Bay, protecting our region for current and future generations. In partnership with Community Environmental Laboratories, an EPA-certified water testing laboratory located in Harford County, and both Harford, and Baltimore County Health Departments, Gunpowder Riverkeeper collects water quality samples. We communicate historical and current data to the public on the state of the watershed's health and stability. Our water monitoring results help inform the public on where they can recreate safely along the River as well as indicators for possible stormwater or point-source pollution. Our sampling tests for E. Coli levels at access points along the Gunpowder and Bush Rivers. The EPA’s Safe Swimming Criteria for Maximum Probable number of E. Coli is 126 MPN (geometric mean) and 235 MPN (single sample). According to the Maryland Department of the Environment’s brief on the EPA’s water quality criteria, at 126 MPN (geometric mean) and 235 MPN (single sample), it is estimated that 36 individuals out of 1000 swimmers may contract a water-borne gastroenteritis illness. When our samples indicate E. Coli counts over the EPA’s criteria, it is recommended that the public avoid contact with the water within that area until further sampling is conducted. Along the Gunpowder River, we regularly conduct bi-weekly samples at 5 locations; Monkton (Monkton Rd/Rt. 138), Pot Rocks (Belair Rd/Rt 1), Jericho Bridge (Jerusalem Mill), Town Creek and Foster’s Branch ( Mariner’s Point Park). Results are posted as soon as lab results are available. Results will be communicated through the Swim Guide websites and apps, as well as on our own monitoring website page: https://gunpowderriverkeeper.org/monitoring/ Please reference the Gunpowder Riverkeeper Swim Guide map if you’re planning to use any of these access points along the Gunpowder River. A green icon tells you that the site is safe for swimming according to the EPA Safe Swimming Standard. A red icon tells you the water quality has failed to meet the EPA Safe Swimming Standard at the site during our last sampling collection. Please contact us at gunpowderrivekeeper@gmail.com if you have any questions. Please also contact us if you would like to volunteer to take water samples.