Although Malden officials have cleared the way for crew teams to use the city’s boathouse and dock, last week’s rain has kept oars from going in the water.

Because rain can elevate bacteria levels, the new rules aimed at protecting students using the Malden River prohibit rowing within 48 hours after more than a half inch of rain has fallen.

Tests taken recently during dry weather showed bacteria levels well below state limits for boating, according to Deborah A. Burke, executive director of the Malden Redevelopment Authority.

The city closed the Commercial Street facilities in late March until the new protocols were in place, calling it a proactive step to protect the health and safety of Malden students and those from visiting teams rowing on an urban river.

With the rules now complete, the city notified Malden High School and Mystic Valley Regional Charter High School that their crews were free again to begin using the boathouse and dock — weather permitting — once all participants have signed forms acknowledging the rules, Burke said.

“The goal all along has been the health and safety of students who participate in crew on the Malden River. In a nutshell, it’s about being smart and safe,’’ she said.

The new rules, outlined in nearly identical safety manuals prepared by the two schools, were drafted by city solicitor Kathryn Fallon, based on input from a team of city and school officials.

“The Mystic and Malden rivers contain hazards that all users, participants, guests, student athletes, rowers, coxswains, and coaches must be aware of, including exposure to bacteria in the water column and .?. . to contaminants historically found in urban sediment within the river system,’’ the manuals state, citing other hazards such as low water levels and debris.

In addition to the 48-hour closure rule, protocols intended to guard against the risks range from bans on swimming or splashing in the water to a requirement to shower thoroughly after coming into contact or being submerged in the water.

Any visiting crew teams will be required to review the policy and sign the waiver forms.

The Malden High crew team had access to the river during the closure because it was able to use Medford High School’s boathouse and dock. School officials decided that the better water quality in the Medford stretch of the river made that a good temporary option.

Burke said the charter school team held its practices on land during the closure, in its Highland Avenue building. On Monday, she said, the Mystic Valley team was using the rowing machines inside the boathouse.

Globe correspondent John Laidler can be reached at laidler@globe.com.