June 2022 Keeper’s Report
Welcome to your June 2022 Keeper’s Report! It is hard to believe how much we have accomplished in one months’ time and there is so much to report, starting with this group of Conservation Corps members from the Sustainability Institute (pictured above)! After training with Cheryl, each of these individuals are now officially Adopt-A-Stream saltwater certified and ready to take on the challenge of being strong stewards of your waterways.
In other important clean water news, thanks to the Gardner Family Foundation and supporters like you, we successfully kicked off our 10th season testing bacteria levels. Our weekly sample runs bring science to life and data driven advocacy to the forefront of what we do for you and clean water.
It’s great to see the recent uptick of weekend warriors, boaters, beachgoers, fishers, paddle boarders, and swimmers in, on, and around the water! It reminds us of why we must continue this critical work to keep you informed and safe and fight for your right to cleaner, healthier waterways, beaches and creeks.
Thank you for your support and enthusiasm, and for standing up and showing up for clean water for the next generation. We are in this for the long-haul and not slowing down and it is clear that you are right here with us!
– Your Charleston Waterkeeper Team
News
What’s in your water?
Nobody should have to eat contaminated fish, crabs, or oysters. Period. Somebody knows where these chemicals are coming from and when we find out we’ll make sure the polluter is held accountable.
Post and Courier: Read more
Hands-on education and experiences
We are all about sharing our knowledge and collaborating. Here’s your chance to find out what it is like to ride along while we take water quality samples!
News 4: Watch today
What types of pathogens?
What do staph, cholera, tuberculosis, and E. coli all have in common? A DNA study by Dr. Michael Janech at the College of Charleston found all of these in our water quality samples.
Post and Courier: Read more
Good news for Ellis Creek!
Still a long way to go, but the James Island Taskforce is making progress and securing funding to deal with polluting septic tanks and clean up the creek.
ABCNews 4: Watch today
Where is it safe to swim?
We’ve found high bacteria results in upper reaches of Shem, James Island and Ellis Creeks. Stay informed, by checking the data every Friday!
News 2: Watch today
Events
ONE OCEAN Film Tour!
This is your chance! Come say hello and check out the newest action, adventure, conservation, and character driven stories from around the globe.
Holy City Lifestyle is throwing a party!
Join us for a Vintage showcase by Holy City Lifestyle and a silent auction in support of two local causes! Plus Cru Catering, Harold’s Cabin providing the cocktails and Brantley Harris bringing the tunes.
Support our Cleanups!
Thank you to East West Partners for getting muddy with us and ensuring microplastics and other pollutants don’t enter your harbor, rivers and creeks!
Member Spotlight
Gabbie Kuba!
It is hard to believe that our star intern, who made a lasting impact for your waterways over the past two years has moved on to study her passion in Newport, RI. Thank you to Gabbie for always bringing the positivity and being the driving force behind the success of our Creek Watchers!
We couldn’t wait check in with Gabbie.
How’s the water?
Water quality has been looking pretty good so far this year, but we’re seeing a few problem areas pop up repeatedly. Swimming and other water-based recreational activities are often not recommended in upper James Island Creek, upper Shem Creek, or in Filbin Creek in North Charleston. In fact, we’ve found bacteria levels in Filbin Creek more than 8 times 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
Getting Kids on the Water!
Thank you to Y2O for standing strong behind their mission of getting kids on the waterby organizing two incredible days of beach clean ups and surf lessons. We’re proud to support this important work!
Welcome!
We brought on two new summer interns, Bella and Willa, and we’re excited to welcome them to the team. They have already hit the ground running with Creek Watcher monitoring and management!
Ewww, what is that?
These wrist bands sit in the water for a month and passively sample chemical contaminants. We recently collected the samplers which will now be tested by NOAA for pesticides and PAHs!
#ChasWaterkeeper
Casual Crabbing with Tia for the win!
Tia and her team brought their passion for the outdoors and marine habitat to life in a big way for us, 1% for the Planet and Charleston Surfrider. We laughed, we learned and loved every minute of this experience throwing cast nets, working in teams and catching crabs with the best.
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!
