DHEC to begin seasonal water quality monitoring at SC beaches next month
Image: Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC)
Image: Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC)
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– DHEC says to help keep South Carolina beaches a favorite destination during the summer months the department is set to resume its seasonal monitoring of water quality along the coast.
South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) says from May 1-Oct. 30, the department collects either weekly or bi-weekly water samples at 122 locations along South Carolina’s beaches, from Cherry Grove Beach near the South Carolina-North Carolina border to the southern end of Hilton Head Island.
The water samples will be tested by DHEC staff for Enterococci bacteria.
If elevated levels of the bacteria are detected, the agency issues public notices at that beach location and on DHEC’s Beach Monitoring website because high levels of Enterococci bacteria could negatively impact 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.
For additional information on the water checks or Enterococci , click here.
DHEC to begin seasonal water quality monitoring at SC beaches next month
Photo: DHEC
