Beach Monitoring Programs
Ensuring safe water quality for public beaches in St. Mary's County
From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) monitors the water quality of public beaches in St. Mary’s County. Swimming in natural waters is never risk-free. Always use discretion before entering the water. Click here to learn about healthy beach habits!
Current Water Quality Advisories
Locations listed below are under advisory due to elevated levels of indicator bacteria. When indicator bacteria levels are too high, there is an elevated risk that swimmers may get sick. It is recommended that you not swim or wade in the water. Risk of illness comes from contacting beach water in several ways. These include ingesting natural water, getting water in the nose, eyes, and ears, or an open wound. If one has an open wound on the lower legs or feet, it could become infected even from wading.
The regulated beach monitoring season runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Results are typically updated weekly on Fridays during the season, pending the sampling schedule and processing.
Current Advisories
Beach monitoring and reporting will resume again in May 2026.
For questions regarding beach advisories, contact our Environmental Health Division at smchd.env@maryland.gov or by calling 301-475-4321.
Monitored Beaches
The locations below are monitored by SMCHD during beach monitoring season, from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
- Breton Bay Civic Association Main Beach (Leonardtown)
- Camp MD (Piney Point)
- Cedar Cove Community Beach (Lexington Park)
- Elms Beach Park (Dameron)
- Golden Beach & Patuxent Knolls Subdivisions – Boat Ramp – Long Point (Charlotte Hall)
- Golden Beach & Patuxent Knolls Subdivisions – Community Beach (Charlotte Hall)
- Greenwell State Park – Pavilion Beach (Hollywood)
- Greenwell State Park – River Trail Beach (Hollywood)
- Myrtle Point Park – Picnic Area Beach (California)
- Myrtle Point Park – Wet Sox Trail Beach (California)
- Point Lookout State Park – Hammond Rest Area Beach (Scotland)
- Snow Hill Farm Park (Mechanicsville)
- St. Clements Shores Subdivision – Community Beach (Compton)
- St. Mary’s College of Maryland (St. Mary’s City)
- Wicomico Shores Waterfront Park (Budd’s Creek)
Report a Concern
If You See an Accumulation of Dead Fish in the Water
Report an accumulation of dead fish to the Maryland Department of the Environment by calling 800-285-8195 during regular business hours or the Maryland Emergency Management Association (MEMA) at 866-633-4686 on nights and weekends.
If you see a Blue-green Algal Bloom
When bathers see bright green waters, sometimes with a surface scum that resembles green paint, they should report the algal bloom to the Department of Natural Resources through their Eyes on the Bay website or by calling (866) 633-4686.
Additional Resources
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General Office Hours:
Mon – Fri: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Vital Records Processing Hours:
Mon – Fri: 8:30 am – 4:00 pm
Environmental Health Hours:
Mon & Thurs: 7:00 am – 2:00 pm
Tues, Wed, & Fri: 7:00 am – 4:30 pm
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