Belle Haven Marina is located off the George Washington Memorial Parkway behind the Mount Vernon Trail adjacent 480-acre Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve. The sampling site is located at the very end of the marina, past the kayak and sailing rentals, where the road abruptly ends at two concrete pilings. People frequently fish at the marina. People also swim, kayak and sail in the Potomac River. Belle Haven Marina is located directly down river from Hunting Creek where Alexandria discharges three of its four major CSO outfalls (Outfall 002, 003 and 004). Recreational activity also includes walking, jogging, hiking, bike riding, and dog walking in the marina and along trails in Dyke Marsh.
A “green” rating demonstrates that the level of E. coli at the time of sampling falls beneath the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality primary contact water quality safety standards.
The VA Primary Contact Water Quality Standards are as follows:
• E. coli single sample value = 235 MPN/100mL
• E. coli geometric mean = 126 MPN/100mL
Potomac sites that are under VA or MD jurisdiction are rated against these Virginia values. We are utilizing the Virginia standards because they are more protective of public health for individuals swimming or otherwise in primary contact with the water than Maryland’s standards. For the first 5 consecutive weeks, single sample values will be compared against the single sample standard of 235 MPN. After 5 consecutive weeks, the geometric mean will be calculated and compared to the 126 MPN value to determine a pass or fail status. Samples are rated “green” if they fall below these values. Samples over the standard are considered "red" due to their failure to meet criteria, and the increased risk of illness.
A red "special status" update indicates an abnormal situation such as a severe weather event, construction activity, or a combined sewage overflow (CSO) in the past 48 hours. This status means it is extremely likely there are unsafe levels of bacteria in the river, and it is recommended to be extra cautious if you are close to the river or come in contact with the water.
Water quality standards as well as the methods used to determine pass or fail status vary widely across jurisdictions and monitoring programs. We encourage users to explore the sample data in addition to checking the swim guide status. These data can be viewed through the Chesapeake Monitoring Collaborative Data Explorer, https://cmc.vims.edu/#/home
Keep your distance from other people.
Practicing social distancing is essential right now. Follow the advice of the health experts. If your community has asked that you remain indoors and away from others, do so. Heading to the beach should only be considered an option if social distancing practices can be followed. Spending a day in any crowded place is the worst thing we can do for our most vulnerable right now and will counter the efforts to curb the virus’ spread.
For more information, please visit the World Health Organization public resource on COVID-19.
- Passed water quality tests 60-95% of the time
Historical Status
Keep your distance from other people.
Practicing social distancing is essential right now. Follow the advice of the health experts. If your community has asked that you remain indoors and away from others, do so. Heading to the beach should only be considered an option if social distancing practices can be followed. Spending a day in any crowded place is the worst thing we can do for our most vulnerable right now and will counter the efforts to curb the virus’ spread.
For more information, please visit the World Health Organization public resource on COVID-19.
- Passed water quality tests 60-95% of the time
- Historical Status
Belle Haven Marina is located off the George Washington Memorial Parkway behind the Mount Vernon Trail adjacent 480-acre Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve. The sampling site is located at the very end of the marina, past the kayak and sailing rentals, where the road abruptly ends at two concrete pilings. People frequently fish at the marina. People also swim, kayak and sail in the Potomac River. Belle Haven Marina is located directly down river from Hunting Creek where Alexandria discharges three of its four major CSO outfalls (Outfall 002, 003 and 004). Recreational activity also includes walking, jogging, hiking, bike riding, and dog walking in the marina and along trails in Dyke Marsh.
A “green” rating demonstrates that the level of E. coli at the time of sampling falls beneath the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality primary contact water quality safety standards.
The VA Primary Contact Water Quality Standards are as follows:
• E. coli single sample value = 235 MPN/100mL
• E. coli geometric mean = 126 MPN/100mL
Potomac sites that are under VA or MD jurisdiction are rated against these Virginia values. We are utilizing the Virginia standards because they are more protective of public health for individuals swimming or otherwise in primary contact with the water than Maryland’s standards. For the first 5 consecutive weeks, single sample values will be compared against the single sample standard of 235 MPN. After 5 consecutive weeks, the geometric mean will be calculated and compared to the 126 MPN value to determine a pass or fail status. Samples are rated “green” if they fall below these values. Samples over the standard are considered "red" due to their failure to meet criteria, and the increased risk of illness.
A red "special status" update indicates an abnormal situation such as a severe weather event, construction activity, or a combined sewage overflow (CSO) in the past 48 hours. This status means it is extremely likely there are unsafe levels of bacteria in the river, and it is recommended to be extra cautious if you are close to the river or come in contact with the water.
Water quality standards as well as the methods used to determine pass or fail status vary widely across jurisdictions and monitoring programs. We encourage users to explore the sample data in addition to checking the swim guide status. These data can be viewed through the Chesapeake Monitoring Collaborative Data Explorer, https://cmc.vims.edu/#/home
| Beach | Location | Water Quality | Water Quality | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington, District of Columbia | Washington, District of Columbia | Historical Status | ||||
| Alexandria, Virginia | Alexandria, Virginia | Historical Status | ||||
| Oxon Hill, Maryland | Oxon Hill, Maryland | Historical Status | ||||
| Alexandria, Virginia | Alexandria, Virginia | Historical Status | ||||
