May 2022 Keeper’s Report
Welcome to your May 2022 Keeper’s Report!
May is always a big a month here at Charleston Waterkeeper because the water is warming up and it’s when we kick off our annual bacteria testing season. This year marks our 10th season testing water quality for you and your family!
Every week, through the end of October, our team and volunteer water quality scientists are out in the field collecting samples from each of your waterways and creeks where SUP enthusiasts, boaters, shrimpers, fishers, beach goers, and families enjoy time on the water. The team is also hard at work in the lab analyzing the samples and will publish results for you every Friday.
What’s more, our citizen-scientist Creek Watchers are actively testing and reporting on waterway health from 23 key locations in your rivers and creeks. We are working on some exciting new ways to make this data easily accessible for you. For now, be sure to check out the latest in the Clean Water Updates below.
Keep an eye on the data! Water quality is not always good and it’s crucial to be aware of where it is safe to swim, fish, and recreate.
We are only able to do this work because of the commitment and generosity of this community. Thanks to folks just like you, the mid-year water quality testing campaign is gaining momentum and we are getting so close to hitting our goal and more motivated than ever to keep up this important work!
The campaign has only 10 days left and thanks to the Gardner Family Foundation, your contribution for clean water will be matched up to $12,000! Power the fight for healthier waterways by standing up today and help us meet our goal!
News
Data Drives Change for Clean Water
Kudos to the Town of Mount Pleasant and Mount Pleasant Waterworks for making it easier for folks with septic tanks to connect to public sewer. This is a big win for public health and clean water!
Post and Courier: Read more
Filbin Creek Needs Help
Filbin Creek has poor water quality. Expanding 526 won’t help. Proud to stand with Charleston Moves to improve water quality, access, connectivity, and mobility around this important creek.
Live 5 News: Watch today
What’s a Pocket Wetland?
Creating new wetlands every chance we get is an important step towards making our community more resilient to climate change and protecting water quality.
Post and Courier: Read more
Events
Let’s talk about impact!
Thank you to Free Fly Apparel for being our 2022 Marsh Restoration Partner and for hustling out there! This dream team planted 5,428 Spartina stalks and placed 351 bags of oysters.
Cleaning up with the best
Collaboration is key in our world and we certainly loved teaming up with Charleston Moves for a successful clean up and outreach event at Hendrick’s Park in North Charleston.
That was a Game Changer!
Super fun night for our supporters at the Home Team on Sullivan’s. Thank you to the Home Team BBQ crew and to Atlantic Beach House for giving back in big way.
Member Spotlight
Alys Campaigne
We couldn’t wait to spotlight Alys, our champion of advocacy and trusted Board Member since 2016! Alys is a steady voice, advisor, and supporter who is always pushing us forward on our advocacy efforts for clean water. She is also a wealth of knowledge and insight on local and national environmental issues!
We are so fortunate to work with Alys and honored that she took the time to share her insights on how data drives change for clean water!
Clean Water Updates
What’s the word for clean water?
We’ve been busy! And we’re proud that already this year, we’ve removed 3.2 tons of debris from your local waterways, planted over 11k Spartina stalks, and banked >1000 volunteer hours for clean water.
How’s the water?
April’s data shows that the dissolved oxygen levels are still slowly going down with these warmer waters. But most sites are still looking good!
#ChasWaterkeeper
Way to go Walker!
Big shout out to Charleston Waterkeeper board member Walker Layne. He’s been sending in pictures of clean ups he’s doing while traveling in the Bahamas! That’s commitment to fight for clean water, folks!
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!
