Charleston water quality worsens, high levels of bacteria found at 11 out of 15 sites

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — The Charleston Waterkeeper says high levels of fecal bacteria have been detected at 11 out of it's 15 testing sites.

Swimming is not recommend in Shem Creek, upper James Island Creek, the lower Hobcaw Creek, the Wappoo Cut, the lower Ashley River, Demetre Park, Battery Beach, or the harbor near Patriots Point.

The organization says the recent storms in the area has created a lot of runoff, which picks up pollutants including bacteria and gets carried by storm drains into waterways.

However, results from sites run by the Waterkeeper and the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control on Folly Beach, Sullivan's Island, and Isle of Palms all showed low levels of bacteria.

You can click here to see the Waterkeeper's tips on how to help lower your contribution to the pollinates being collected in the runoff.

You can also find more information about the data collected by the Waterkeeper at the testing sites by clicking here.