July 2022 Keeper’s Report
Welcome to your July 2022 Keeper’s Report!
When this great egret chose to visit the Waterkeeper boat while we were testing the water quality in Shem Creek recently, we could not help but reflect on the symbolism of this beautiful creature that we admire. The egret represents purity, strength, balance, concentration and longevity and is known to act as a messenger.
For us, this moment reminded us to slow down (literally!) and take the time to realize how powerful and important this work is, not only for the next generation of humans, but for the shorebirds, fish and all the marine habitat that surrounds us and makes this place magical.
Enjoy the latest action for clean water in this month’s Keeper’s Report and take time to reflect on the natural beauty that surrounds you. Thank you to the strong community of supporters that allow us get out there and make a difference.
– Your Charleston Waterkeeper Team
News
USS Yorktown
Good news for clean water! It’s long past time to clean up the Yorktown and get all the contaminants in her tanks removed and safely disposed away from the harbor.
News 2: Watch today
Is it safe to swim?
Know before you go and stay safe. Cholera, Tuberculosis, Staph, Vibrio . . . it’s 2022 and we should be able to enjoy our waterways without pollution.
News 2: Watch today
Welcome Aboard!
A huge Charleston Waterkeeper welcome to Faith Rivers James, the Coastal Conservation League’s new Executive Director.
Post and Courier: Read more
On Point Editorial
The Post and Courier’s Editorial Board is on point in this piece! We have a once in a generation opportunity to make James Island Creek safe for swimming. We have to get it done without delay!
Post and Courier: Read more
Funding for James Island Creek
Kudos to Rep Spencer Wetmore, the James Island Public Service District, Charleston Water System, and DHEC for working together to secure funding for clean up efforts on James Island Creek.
Live5 News: Watch today
Events
Drink Pacifico for clean water!
We had a blast kicking off our partnership with Pacifico Preserves that runs through the end of July. Cheers to protecting your waterways so we can all continue to get out there and enjoy them!
Sometimes we “cleanup”!
We had a beautiful evening participating in the the Vintage Gala and dressing up for clean water! Thank you to Holy City Lifestyle for including us.
One Ocean Film Tour
We set up “shop” at the Music Hall last month to talk clean water and catch the One Ocean Film Tour. Good news! A new shipment of eco friendly, recycled merchandise is on the way.
Charleston Green Drinks
Wonderful evening alongside the talented members of the SC Environmental Law Project, Clemson Extension, and Sierra Club talking about all things water, rain harvesting, and pollution.
Member Spotlight
LIA COLABELLO
We are so pleased to have the opportunity to spotlight the Managing Principal of Planet+Purpose Solutions (PPS), a women-led, B Corp Certified boutique consulting practice whose impact is felt globally! Lia and her team accelerate solutions to some of the world’s greatest environmental challenges. Not only is Lia making big waves, we loved this interview and learning more about her!
How’s the water?
We saw extreme bacteria results last week: Swimming and other water-based recreational activities are not recommended in upper James Island Creek, Shem Creek, or in Filbin Creek in North Charleston. We’ve found bacteria levels in James Island Creek more than 2x the standard for safe swimming in recent weeks. Be sure to follow along with the weekly reports to know before you go!
Clean Water Updates
Hands on education with kids!
We teamed up with Youth2Ocean and Metanoia to teach campers about water quality and plastic pollution. Thank you Y2O for standing strong behind the mission of getting kids on the water!
It’s Official!
We trained 15 new and returning Creek Watchers to be certified Adopt-A-Stream citizen scientists and collect monthly water quality data.
Great turnout
Thanks to our hard working volunteers and strong support from DNR SCORE, we have removed over 788 lbs of debris from recycled oyster shells this year. 
Team Work
Thank you to East West Partners for getting muddy with us! This positive, hard working team ensured microplastics and other pollutants didn’t enter your harbor, rivers and creeks.
#ChasWaterkeeper
Every Friday!
That’s right! Every Friday we release the results from water samples taken from 20 hotspots in your favorite creeks. These samples are collected on Wednesday, kept at an optimal temperature, taken directly to the lab and tested. The numbers don’t lie (sadly for some spots) and we will let you know where it is safe to swim, fish, paddle board, sail and enjoy your waters with your family, without fear of pollution.
Let’s Get Social
Don’t miss any of the action for clean water: especially the weekly restoration events! Be sure to follow along on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and now LinkedIn!
