DHEC to conduct water quality checks at South Carolina beaches

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) will resume seasonal water quality checks along the coast to detect elevated bacteria levels.

DHEC will collect water samples frequently at 122 locations along South Carolina’s coast from May 1st to Oct. 30. Water samples will be tested for Enterococci bacteria either weekly or bi-weekly.

Officials say if elevated levels of bacteria are detected, the agency issues public notices at the beach location and on DHEC’s Beach Monitoring website due to the dangers of high levels of bacteria negatively affecting some people’s health.

“If levels of Enterococci bacteria exceed the standard limit, we quickly issue a short-term swimming advisory for that portion of the beach to help alert beachgoers,” said Bryan Rabon, Manager of Aquatic Science Programs with DHEC’s Bureau of Water. 

DHEC says high levels of Enterococci in water indicate the potential risk for other organisms that may cause diseases in humans like gastrointestinal illness or skin infections.

Short-term swim advisories from elevated bacteria are usually issued by DHEC after heavy rains when rainwater washes pollutants into the ocean.

“A swimming advisory doesn’t mean a beach is closed, it just means that particular area of ocean water should be avoided until the bacteria levels return to normal. Most short-term swimming advisories last just a single day,” Rabon added.

Officials say even though it is safe to wade and collect shells and fish within a swimming advisory area, people entering the waters should refrain from swallowing it. As well as people with open wounds or compromised immune systems should avoid contact with the water in a swim advisory area.

To learn more about Beach Water Monitoring and Swimming Advisories from DHEC, please click here.