In 2022, our fecal bacteria monitoring program uncovered a serious E. coli pollution problem in the Willett Branch. Our tests found fecal counts more than 50 times higher than the Maryland recommended levels for safe water play. We are excited to announce that the source of this pollution has finally been uncovered.

For the fourth consecutive summer, the fecal bacteria levels in the Little Falls watershed have exceeded the Maryland State Standards for recreational water use - even for infrequent human contact.

The question everyone is asking at the Olympics is whether the Seine is safe for swimming. We might not be hosting the Olympics, but residents in the Little Falls watershed have the same question about our creeks. 

For the third consecutive summer, the fecal bacteria levels in the Little Falls watershed have exceeded the Maryland State Standards for recreational water use - even for infrequent human contact. According to the 15 week study of eight sites along two creeks in the watershed, both creeks at all locations fail to meet the criteria for safe water play.