The Midlands Rivers Coalition issues swimming advisories

West Columbia, SC 07/22/2021 (Paul Kirby) - The Midlands Rivers Coalition has issued a swimming advisory for parts of the Congaree and Lower Saluda Rivers. They took this action shortly before noon on Thursday, July 22, 2021.

On the evening of Wednesday, July 21, 2021, several samples were collected, This was done after the City of Columbia reported that they had experienced multiple sewer spills impacting the Congaree River. This can in part be attributed to the heavier than normal rainfall the area has received over the past week. After the results of those samples showed higher than normal bacteria levels, a swimming advisory was issued for the Congaree River from the confluence to the Rosewood Drive Landing.

Additionally, two of Wednesday's Midlands Rivers Coalition water quality samples taken on the Lower Saluda River showed elevated bacteria levels as well. Because of those reports, a swimming advisory was issued for the Lower Saluda River from River's Edge (just below the I-26 overpass) to the confluence.

Follow-up sampling was conducted Thursday, and those results will be reported tomorrow afternoon.

During a swimming advisory, any contact recreation such as swimming, wading, tubing, or paddling is not recommended in the advisory area. At risk groups, including children, people with compromised immune systems, and people with open wounds, should use extreme caution.

For more information please visit howsmyscriver.org/.