Charleston, September 6, 2025
News Summary
Charleston is grappling with alarming levels of bacterial contamination in its waterways, particularly in Filbin Creek, following recent storms. Charleston Waterkeeper reported bacterial counts exceeding state standards by over 150 times for the fifth consecutive year. The public is urged to exercise caution while swimming, especially with Labor Day weekend approaching, due to health risks linked to these elevated bacterial levels. Monitoring tools have been provided to help residents gauge water safety as recovery from contamination can take weeks.
Charleston is facing increased health concerns for swimmers as bacterial contamination in local waterways has reached alarming levels following recent storms. Charleston Waterkeeper, an organization monitoring water quality for over a decade, reports significant bacterial spikes, especially in Filbin Creek, which has seen levels exceed state water quality standards by more than 150 times for the fifth consecutive year.
Executive Director Andrew Wunderly expressed that the findings felt like “déjà vu,” highlighting the ongoing issues of bacterial contamination in Charleston’s waters. Despite consistently maintaining stable bacteria levels under clear skies, factors like stormwater and coastal flooding trigger significant spikes in bacterial counts, posing health risks for those who swim in affected waters.
During normal conditions, bacterial levels in local rivers and creeks typically remain within a safe range of 10 to 100 colony-forming units per 100 milliliters (cfu/mL). However, severe weather events lead to dramatic increases. Filbin Creek, located near a defunct paper mill in North Charleston, consistently reports troubling levels above the state’s threshold of 104 cfu/mL.
Recent heavy rainfall, bringing over nine inches at the end of August, has exacerbated the situation in multiple locations, including the Ashley River near Northbridge Park and Hobcaw Creek in Mount Pleasant, which showed heightened contamination levels. Similar issues have arisen in Ellis Creek on James Island as well as three sites along Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant. The flooding fears were further intensified by Hurricane Erin, which, while it did not make landfall, produced sufficient waves to inundate the Lowcountry.
Stormwater flooding is identified as a major contributor to the introduction of enterococcus bacteria—the primary contaminant linked to gastrointestinal illnesses and infections. Experts point out that the pollution from stormwater systems often coincides with sewer overflows during heavy rainfall, complicating the health risks associated with swimming in local water bodies.
Recovery from bacterial contamination can be lengthy; it may take weeks for affected waterways to return to normal bacterial levels after heavy rain. Charleston Waterkeeper advocates for increased awareness and investment in infrastructure to mitigate stormwater contamination, emphasizing that the problem extends well beyond the peninsula of the city. Recognizing the role of septic tanks in bacterial proliferation, the organization calls for stricter regulations in sensitive coastal areas to alleviate the issue.
In response to the contamination crisis, Charleston Waterkeeper has developed tools to help residents monitor water safety, including the Swim Alert webpage and a partnership with the Swim Guide mobile app, which provides up-to-date information on bacteria levels in waterways. This data is updated regularly online for public access.
Amid growing concerns for health and safety, especially as Labor Day weekend approaches, residents are urged to exercise caution regarding swimming in local waters. Popular spots known for high bacterial levels should be avoided, particularly as recent heavy rainfall has further heightened contamination risks. Filbin Creek remains a prime illustration of persistent issues, recording elevated bacteria levels that impact even sample collectors.
The public can utilize provided resources to check safety information for local waterways, promoting a proactive approach to swimming and water activities along Charleston’s beloved waterways.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the current status of bacterial contamination in Charleston’s waterways?
Bacterial contamination levels in Charleston’s waterways have significantly risen following recent storms, with some areas, like Filbin Creek, exceeding state water quality standards by over 150 times.
What causes the spikes in bacterial levels?
Spikes in bacterial levels are primarily caused by stormwater and flooding, which can lead to the transport of enterococcus bacteria from overflows into local waterways.
How can residents check water safety?
Residents can check water safety via the Swim Alert webpage and the Swim Guide mobile app, both of which provide current data on contamination levels in local waterways.
What should residents do as Labor Day weekend approaches?
Residents are advised to exercise caution and avoid swimming in contaminated waters, especially in popular areas known for high bacterial levels.
Key Features of the Bacterial Contamination Issue in Charleston
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Bacterial Contamination Levels | Filbin Creek reported levels over 150 times the state standard following heavy rainfall. |
| Common Areas Affected | Filbin Creek, Ellis Creek on James Island, Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant. |
| Causes of Contamination | Stormwater flooding and sewer overflows after heavy rains. |
| Monitoring Tools | Swim Alert webpage and Swim Guide mobile app provide real-time data on water quality. |
| Health Risks | Potential for gastrointestinal illnesses and infections from contaminated water. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Charleston City Paper: Déjà Vu – Bacteria Levels in Local Waterways Soar After Heavy Rain
- Live 5 News: Charleston Waterkeeper Warns Elevated Bacteria Ahead of Labor Day Weekend
- ABC News 4: Safe for Swimming? Groups Analyze Bacteria Levels at Lowcountry Beaches
- Count On 2 News: High Bacteria Levels Found in Several Popular Charleston Area Waterways
- The Daniel Island News: SCDHEC and Charleston Waterkeepers Begin Monitoring Swim Water Quality
- Wikipedia: Bacterial Contamination
- Google Search: Bacterial Contamination Charleston
- Google Scholar: Bacterial Contamination
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bacterial Contamination
- Google News: Bacterial Contamination Charleston
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
