Healthy Waters 411
Many sources collect and analyze information about the health of
the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland Coastal Bays, and their tributaries.
Here are a few resources focused on water quality.
This tool stores and shares data from throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed and features an interactive map where visitors can view a range of water quality measurements for a specific location. The data are collected by a network of monitors working with the Chesapeake Monitoring Cooperative—a partnership of four organizations which includes the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science.
To report algal blooms,
call 410-260-8630 or visit
bit.ly/Eyes-on-the-Bay-report-bloom
This site provides access to a comprehensive monitoring system
for state waters maintained by Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Interactive maps and specialized pages allow users to
access a wide range of data on key measures of water quality, including harmful algal blooms. Information collected by the system is being used to guide the restoration of the Maryland waters by identifying specific problems and evaluating the success
of management initiatives.
Administered by Maryland Department of the Environment, this site provides an interactive map to check current water conditions at Maryland’s beaches from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
The data are also available through a smartphone app or users can sign up for text or email alerts to receive notice of beach advisories or closures.
This guide, available both through a website and a smartphone app, delivers free real-time water quality information for over 7,000 beaches, lakes, rivers, and recreational spots around the world. It uses water quality information from affiliates and government agencies and provides the source of data for each location as well as date and time stamps that show when sample results were last verified.