Our Tax Exempt Status
Charleston Waterkeeper would like to reassure our supporters, friends, colleagues and fellow citizens of our continued commitment to protecting Charleston’s right to clean water.
This March, upon notification that our 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status had been automatically revoked, Charleston Waterkeeper immediately began working with our legal counsel and CPA to correct the matter. The revocation occurred because we did not understand our obligation to file summary tax filings retroactively after our 501(c)(3) designation was granted in 2011.
We are confident that we are taking all necessary actions to remedy our oversight and are optimistic that our status as a tax-exempt organization will be reinstated. Until then, all donations to Charleston Waterkeeper will be tax-deductible under our fiscal sponsor, the Waterkeeper Alliance.
Charleston Waterkeeper continues to operate as an incorporated nonprofit organization, and while we work to resolve this issue, we remain focused on developing our programs and activities.
Last week, we began the readiness review phase of our Recreational Water Quality Monitoring Program and expect to launch the full program soon. We have also been working with a number of key partners on a long-term study of bacteria levels in Upper Inlet Creek.
As part of our partnership with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources’ Clean Vessel Act Program, Charleston Waterkeeper has purchased a pumpout boat and will begin operating a Mobile Pumpout Program this summer. The boat, currently being readied for the program, will allow us to provide timely and convenient pumpout services to recreational boaters in need of emptying their holding tanks–tanks that may otherwise be discharged into our local waterways.
Our Permit Watchdog Program is currently screening 60 local permit holders for wastewater treatment performance issues. This program will also provide public comments on several permits that are up for reissuance as a result of the newly established dissolved oxygen limits for the Charleston Harbor.
We value your continued support, and know that while we work to resolve this issue, we continue to focus on protecting your right to swimmable, drinkable, fishable water.
Please do not hesitate to contact us directly with any additional questions or concerns.
