CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) – As Labor Day weekend approaches, many are making plans to enjoy the water, but experts are urging caution, as swimming may not be safe in some areas.
Charleston Waterkeeper is a Lowcountry nonprofit that’s monitored bacteria levels in area waterways for 12 years. It says it is not recommended to swim in popular spots like Shem Creek, James Island Creek, or even some stretches of Folly Beach because of the elevated levels of harmful bacteria.
Last weekend, parts of the Lowcountry saw more than 10 inches of rain in just 48 hours. The First Alert Weather team reported that Downtown Charleston recorded 10.21 inches in two days. Mount Pleasant saw even more with over a foot of rain, while James and Johns Islands saw close to a foot. The average rainfall for the entire month of August in these areas is just under 7 inches.
That heavy rain led to widespread flooding, with the high water closing many roads Friday and Saturday. However, the concern does not stop once the water recedes.
Cheryl Carmack Smith, program director at Charleston Waterkeeper, said storms like these wash pollutants into local waterways, including bacteria that can pose a health risk.
“Oh man, it’s not good,” Smith said. “When we get that much rain, we definitely see a huge impact on our waterways. Rainwater brings polluted stormwater into our waterways and that carries all sorts of pollutants into it, including bacteria that can be harmful to your health. So, we are expecting to see elevated levels this week after the huge storms this past weekend.”
Even before the recent rainfall, Charleston Waterkeeper reported that more than half of the 20 sites it tested already had dangerously high bacteria levels. Smith said she expects this week’s test results to show even more contamination.
Smith said one of the major examples of these contaminated waterways is Filbin Creek.
“Filbin Creek has had elevated levels of bacteria for as long as we’ve been monitoring it… We’ve even had our volunteers have reactions to the water just from grabbing water samples out of it,” she said.
While swimming at these sites is still technically allowed, Smith stressed the importance of understanding the risks. Bacteria can enter the body through the eyes, nose, ears or open wounds and can lead to rashes or more serious infections. Children, seniors and those with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable.
“We don’t want to alarm you, but we want you to have the information at your fingertips so you can make an informed choice,” Smith said.
To find out which waterways are safest this weekend, visit Charleston Waterkeeper’s website or check the Swim Guide app.
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