January Water Quality Report | 2019
January 31, 2019
On January 29th and 30th we conducted our first round of water quality monitoring in the new year. Only one site, Smith Branch, had results above the state standard for contact recreation of 349/100 mL. Smith Branch is a tributary to the Broad River that drains part of northern part of downtown Columbia. We do not know the source of the elevated bacteria levels in the creek, but possible causes include stormwater runoff (we had small amount of rain the day before sampling), nearby septic systems, and/or wildlife.
We were unable to sample our Congaree River site because the boat ramp we use was inaccessible due to recent high water and mud. The next round of sampling is scheduled for March.
| Sample Site | E. coli Result | Date Sampled |
|---|---|---|
| Congaree River | Unable to Sample | - |
| Saluda at I-20 | 39.3 | 1/29/19 |
| Saluda at Saluda Shoals | 33.1 | 1/29/19 |
| Broad River | 38.8 | 1/29/19 |
| Gills Creek | 48.8 | 1/30/19 |
| Rocky Branch | 79.4 | 1/30/19 |
| Smith Branch | 980.4 | 1/30/19 |
| Stoops Creek | 84.5 | 1/29/19 |
| 12 Mile Creek | 285.1 | 1/29/19 |
| Crane Creek | 115.65 | 1/30/19 |
