Stay out of Bynum Run through Aug. 13, health officials say

Harford County residents should stay out of Bynum Run and its connecting waterways through August 13 after a sewage overflow and a week of heavy rain raised water quality concerns, health officials say.

What’s happening: The Harford County Health Department extended a water-contact advisory for Bynum Run and its tributaries. The advisory tells the public to avoid all contact with the water — no wading, swimming, or other direct contact.

What led to this: Two things drove the extension. First, a sewage overflow occurred July 29. Then, significant rainfall and stormwater runoff over the following week added to the concern. Signs had already been posted along Bynum Run and its tributaries after the July 29 overflow. The Health Department asked the Harford County Department of Public Works to keep those signs up through August 13.

What’s new: The original advisory was already in place following the July 29 overflow. The August 5 announcement extended that advisory, pushing the avoid-contact date to August 13. The Health Department said the extension was issued out of caution.

What this means for you: If you use Bynum Run or any of its connecting waterways for recreation, stay out of the water until after August 13.

The path forward: The Health Department said it will keep monitoring water quality and will update the Department of Public Works and the public as conditions change.