Department of Health Issues Advisory Against Direct Water Contact in Tar Cove at Sillery Bay

Annapolis, MD (June 13, 2005) - The Anne Arundel County Department of Health has issued an advisory to avoid swimming, jet skiing and other direct water contact in Tar Cove at Sillery Bay (Pasadena) due to high bacteria levels found in water samples collected by the Department’s Recreational Water Quality Program. The Department advises people coming in contact with the affected water to wash well with soap and warm water immediately. Clothing should also be washed.

Water quality testing in Tar Cove, which is usually performed bi-weekly as part of the Department’s recreational water quality monitoring program, will be performed weekly until bacteria counts are found within acceptable standards. The advisory will remain in effect until further notice from the Department of Health.

For more information on the status of the advisory, visit the "Water Quality" area on the Department’s Web site,