Rock Creek water in sewage spill area will be tested today

Anne Arundel County health officials will be testing the water again today around the headwaters of Rock Creek in Pasadena, where more than 50,000 gallons of sewage and waste water spilled into the creek Friday.

Health officials warned residents in the affected area, from Tower Bridge Road to south of the Fort Smallwood Bridge, to avoid contact with the creek, said Pam Jordan, county information officer.

Anyone coming in contact with water from Rock Creek should immediately wash their hands and clothing. Jordan said children should be told to stay out of the water.

The spill did not contaminate the drinking water supply.

In addition to Health Department tests of the water, the county's Department of Public Works will be checking the area around Tower Bridge Road where the spill was reported, Jordan said.

On Friday night, public works crews located a blockage in the line. It was cleared in a little more than an hour.

Officials suspect the blockage was caused by grease in the line, aggravated by recent heavy rains.