2026 Water Blitz Results

On the morning of April 11th volunteers of the BSCLT once again participated in the annual testing of local creek for Nitrogen. The Black Swamp Creek was tested in three places and the Charles Branch in two. All results came in at the healthy "good" level improving upon last year's results when one site tested "Fair". Too much nitrogen in combination with phosphorus leads to the growth of algae downstream in the Patuxent and Chesapeake Bay. Algal blooms can cause areas of little to no oxygen and can be acidic thus killing sea grasses and shellfish for example. Nitrogen comes from multiple sources including septic systems, animal feedlots, fertilizers, car exhaust and power plants. BSCLT is the only Southern Maryland Conservation Alliance member testing creeks on the western side of the Patuxent River watershed. Is there a creek near you that you think should be tested? Join Us!