Charleston Waterkeeper tests local waterways for bacteria

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — While state officials monitor bacteria levels at South Carolina beaches, Charleston Waterkeeper and the College of Charleston are testing creeks and rivers across the Lowcountry to help people understand whether local waterways are safe for recreation.

Through its Swim Alert program, Charleston Waterkeeper collects water samples each Wednesday beginning in May from 20 popular sites across the region. The samples are tested at the College of Charleston for bacteria, including enterococcus.

The program focuses on inland waterways such as Shem Creek and James Island Creek, according to Cheryl Carmack-Smith, programs director for Charleston Waterkeeper.

“They monitor our beaches to let you know if it’s safe to swim,” Carmack-Smith said. “We go a little inland, so we test our rivers and creeks and let you know whether waterways like Shem Creek and James Island Creek are safe for swimming.”

Carmack-Smith said enterococcus is used as an indicator bacteria, meaning its presence can signal that other potentially harmful pathogens may also be in the water.

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“Enterococci bacteria serve as an indicator of other pathogens in the water,” Carmack-Smith said. “They themselves aren’t necessarily dangerous.”

Bacteria levels have been lower this year than in previous years, largely because of ongoing drought conditions and reduced rainfall, she said.

“We haven’t had a lot of rainfall this year,” Carmack-Smith said. “When we get our results, we do see some elevated levels, but they’re not as high as they have been in years past. Our highs are more in the hundreds instead of the thousands or tens of thousands.”

Charleston Waterkeeper and the College of Charleston have partnered on the testing program for more than a decade. The partnership also gives College of Charleston students hands-on laboratory experience and training in standard testing methods.

“We do have students who are always interested in working with them,” said Vijay Vulava, a College of Charleston professor. “They volunteer their time and get that hands-on experience. In fact, it’s a really important thing to have on their resume when they are about to graduate.”

Testing for the season is expected to wrap up in October, and Charleston Waterkeeper said it is already looking for volunteers for next year’s program.

Water-quality test results are available on Charleston Waterkeeper’s website.