Results from water testing will be posted on FORR website and on the bulletin board at the children’s playground located in Country Club Park
Friends of Roland Run
Alliance for the Chesapeake
Water testing results for
JULY 2025
Rainfall within 48 hours: 0 of test date
Rainfall within 7 days: 35.56
E.coli Bacteria Measurement: 300 CFU/100 mL *
Air Temperature: 37.5
Water temperature: 29.3
Water Clarity: 120 cm
Dissolved Oxygen: 9.6 mg/L
Water Surface: calm
Weather conditions: Sunny
Water color: normal
Stream Flow Rate: Low
* 235 cfu/100mL being the generally accepted threshold from EPA for safe recreational contact with water,
Bacteria
What is bacteria?
Bacteria are naturally found in our waterways. Though most are harmless, the presence of certain bacteria serve as indicators for other more harmful pathogens in the water. Escherichia coli (E. coli) or enterococci are common bacteria that live in the intestines of humans and animals and are present in feces. High levels of E. coli or enterococci mean it is more likely that harmful bacteria are present in the water. Bacteria in water can come from many sources, including wastewater, agricultural runoff, or pet waste. Bacteria levels are usually higher after rainfall, when bacteria on land are washed into waterways.
How do we measure it?
FORR is using the R-Card method to sample for E. coli on a monthly basis year round, which is called low-frequency monitoring. This a great way to set the baseline of what are considered “normal bacteria levels” in your stream.
Bacteria levels are typically monitored weekly from May through September or monthly year-round, depending on the monitoring goals. Enterococcus is sampled in tidal waters and E. coli is sampled in non-tidal waters. Samples can be measured at home using R-Card or Coliscan, or through lab analysis. Bacteria samples are collected in the field then grown in an incubator. Colonies are then counted to determine the number of colony forming units (CFU) or most probable number (MPN) per 100 mL of water, depending on the method used.
Why do we care?
FORR and the Country Club Park community cares for many reasons , but there are two reasons that really resonate with our community.
Human Health: High bacteria levels in areas where people recreate could increase the risk of people getting sick from contact with the water.
Pollution: Sudden spikes in bacteria values, especially in dry weather, can indicate sources of pollution such as leaking septic systems, broken sewer lines, or livestock manure entering waterways.
How is my water?
In general, groups either use a single value or an average over a certain period of time to calculate the health of their waterways. Per the Mid-Atlantic Tributary Assessment Coalition (MTAC) protocol, 235 CFU/mL is often used as a cutoff for E.coli using a single value, but standards vary from state to state. The use of averages is encouraged when looking at recreational health, please refer to your state’s bacteria guidelines for more specific information.