Latest news with #SouthCarolinaDepartmentofEnvironmentalServices
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
SCDES continues to monitor harmful algal blooms on Lake Hartwell: Water Watch expanded
Heavy rain over the past few days in the Upstate, which can sometimes break up harmful algal blooms, has instead moved or pushed the blooms into different coves within Lake Hartwell. This shift in location necessitates further monitoring and testing to ensure the safety of the affected areas. Almost three weeks have passed since the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services identified, surveyed, and collected three samples from several coves in Lake Hartwell to test for harmful algal blooms. Between May 6 and May 15, officials reported that additional areas in Lake Hartwell were identified as having harmful algal blooms, according to a news release. Most reports indicate harmful algal blooms are in coves and along the shore. The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services continues to monitor harmful algal blooms (HAB) on Lake Hartwell. The Aquatic Science Division team will thoroughly assess the lake and collect an additional round of sampling the week of May 19. The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services will issue a new update with the latest information and recommendations to the public before Memorial Day weekend. The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services also works closely with the Anderson Regional Joint Water System, Pioneer Rural Water District, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and representatives from neighboring Georgia. Harmful algal bloom samples were collected on April 29-30 near Brooks Drive, Gordon Road, and Whitfield Road in Anderson County and analyzed for two cyanotoxins, cylindrospermopsin and microcystin, according to a news release. On May 6, the department conducted further surveys and collected 16 additional samples to assess whether toxin levels had changed since the harmful algal bloom watch was initially reported on April 30. Preliminary results indicated that these samples contained cyanobacteria capable of producing harmful cyanotoxins. Additionally, cindrospermopsin concentrations were below the analytical detection limit in all three samples. A Recreational Water Watch continues for Lake Hartwell in light of this additional assessment. The Recreational Health Advisories for Lake Hartwell have established safety thresholds for microcystins and cylindrospermopsin, toxins produced by harmful algal blooms, according to the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services. The advisory levels are 8 µg/L for microcystins and 15 µg/L for cylindrospermopsin. Exceeding these levels may pose health risks to humans and animals. While cyanotoxin concentrations associated with this HAB continue to be low, the lake's Recreational Water Watch remains in effect. The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services recommends avoiding direct contact with Lake Hartwell water in areas where harmful algal blooms are observed. It is also advised that pets and animals not swim in or drink from the lake in these areas until the bloom subsides. As described by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, harmful algal blooms may be identified by their appearance, often resembling scum, foam, mats, or paint. These blooms can alter the water's color into shades of green, blue, brown, or red, producing a foul odor similar to rotten eggs or decaying vegetation. South Carolina Department of Environmental Services officials recommend keeping pets and animals from swimming in or drinking lake water until the bloom has fully subsided to prevent potential health risks. According to the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services, if your pet experiences any of the symptoms listed below after coming into contact with a body of water, please consult your veterinarian. Physical: hypersalivation, weakness, labored breathing, seizures, and other neurologic symptoms Chemical: elevated liver enzymes, low blood sugar, low protein, abnormal coagulation Harmful algal blooms (HABs) occur when algae and cyanobacteria, tiny plant-like organisms, overgrow in bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, and oceans, according to a news release. These blooms are most common in natural water bodies where nutrient levels are elevated, often due to agricultural runoff or wastewater discharges. This rapid growth is called an algal bloom and can be associated with foam, scum, or thick layers of algae on the surface of water. Most harmful algal blooms occur in South Carolina in late spring to early fall when water temperatures are warmer and sunlight increases. Light, temperature, and nutrients significantly influence cyanobacteria's growth and reproduction. According to the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services, for Harmful Algal Blooms to grow and form, they need the following. Sunlight Slow-moving water Nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) Relatively warm water temperature Algae blooms can persist for several weeks. However, with cooler temperatures, heavy winds, and rain, they may break up and die off. It's important to note that nutrient pollution can make algal blooms worse, resulting in more frequent and more severe blooms. For more information, contact SCDES's Bureau of Water at 803-898-8374. If calling after hours, leave a message that can be returned. For additional information about harmful algae in South Carolina, visit the SCDES HABs webpage and Algal Bloom Monitoring Map. Travis Rose covers Anderson County for the Independent Mail. Reach him via email at trose@ This article originally appeared on Greenville News: What to know about Water Watch for harmful algal blooms on Lake Hartwell
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
How South Carolina tests ocean water to keep beachgoers safe
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) — The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services, previously known as the Department of Health and Environmental Control, will test ocean water quality at more than 120 beaches along the coast. SCDES has monitored the state's beaches for 25 years. Every year, from May 1 to Oct. 1, DES tests our ocean water for the Enterococcus bacteria. DES says this bacterium is not normally harmful to humans, but is a good indicator of fecal contamination in the water. The department usually sees higher levels of Enterococcus after storms, especially in areas near stormwater runoff. Depending on the amount of bacteria in a beach's water and that beach's popularity, DES will test the water two to four times per month. 'We try to make sure that we have that information provided to everybody because we don't want people getting sick,' DES official Lindsey Lachenmyer said. 'We want to protect everybody as best as we can.' The city of Myrtle Beach says it tests its ocean water throughout the entire year. However, one visitor says she does not swim in the water in Myrtle Beach because it looks dirty. 'In the Bahamas, Jamaica, it's just clear,' Jasmine Sheppard said. 'Even in Florida, you can see everything, and it's like, 'Oh, this feels clean.' Then, I come here, and I'm like, 'Oh, this is different.'' If a beach's water has more bacteria than DES considers safe, the department issues a swimming advisory at that beach. This does not mean the beach is closed. DES just wants beachgoers to be able to decide if they feel safe swimming in the water. DES puts both long-term and short-term swimming advisory signs at each beach access. 'I guess, if I did see a sign saying, 'Hey, it's kind of a high bacteria count,' or something bad, then I'd be like, 'Ehhh,'' Hunter Sheppard, another Myrtle Beach visitor, said. 'But the majority of the time, I don't really pay much mind to it. I get in no matter what.' You can go to the DES website to look for swimming advisories at your local beaches. You can also visit CheckMyBeach for advisories, rip currents, and the beach flag system. * * * Skylar Musick is a multimedia journalist at News13. Skylar is originally from Long Island, New York. She joined the News13 team in June 2024 after graduating from Villanova University in May 2024. Follow Skylar on X, formerly Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, and read more of her work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
03-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Drivers Face Lowered Visibility in Smoky South Carolina
Heavy smoke hung over areas around Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, as firefighters worked to contain the Carolina Forest Fire on Monday, March 3. Horry County Fire Rescue reported 'heavy, low-hanging smoke' in the area on Monday morning, and advised motorists to 'avoid driving in the general Carolina Forest Boulevard area.' Footage taken by Stephen Sponcia shows the sun rising on a smoky scene along South Carolina Highway 31 (SC-31) in Horry County on Monday morning. The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services issued an air-quality alert for Horry County. Credit: Stephen Sponcia via Storyful
