WINTER STORM ALERT

SCDES recommends private well owners fill a bathtub or portable containers with water to put in their toilets for flushing in the case of a power outage. SCDES's Private Drinking Well Hotline is open to provide information: 1-888-761-5989.

Emerging Contaminants and Environmental Issues of Concern

Our understanding of the world around us changes constantly.  Sometimes we learn more about the hazards associated with a chemical or class of chemicals (like PFAS); other times new chemicals are discovered or created.  Often, it is our ability to sample and analyze for chemicals that is improving, allowing us to detect and quantify chemicals at lower concentrations in more places.  

Other important factors in our ability to address concerns about contaminants in the environment include learning new ways to identify the source or sources of contaminants and using the best ways to remove them from our environment and/or prevent or minimize our exposure to harmful quantities of these contaminants.  

From this page, you will find links to emerging contaminant and environmental issues that SCDES has been working on.