State and Local Officials Provide Update on Lake Greenwood Fish Kill (May 1, 2026)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 1, 2026

GREENWOOD COUNTY, S.C. — State and local authorities continue to work together to investigate the recent fish kill in areas of Lake Greenwood in Greenwood County. The S.C. Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) and S.C. Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) continue to perform assessments of Lake Greenwood; both agencies had staff assessing the lake by land and boat multiple days this week.  

At this time, the cause(s) of the fish kill has not been determined. Key updates include: 

• SCDES reports no unusual water quality data based on commonly measured water quality parameters.  

• The two drinking water intakes for providing public drinking water (Greenwood Commissioners of Public Works and Laurens County Water and Sewer Authority) are not located in areas where the fish kill has been observed, and both utilities have confirmed their drinking water is in compliance with all drinking water standards.   

• SCDNR reports no indication of diseases or concerns among the fish sampled. 

• There have been no new reports of dead fish since April 20.  

• Two properties near the lake are under investigation:
  • The first property is the former Monsanto/Ascend site where ongoing environmental cleanup and monitoring are occurring. No connection has been found between this property and the fish kill at this time.
  • Three empty drums were identified approximately 20 feet from the lake at a second property nearby on April 30. SCDES investigated the area near the empty drums on May 1 using advanced technology to determine whether any other drums were buried at the site. No buried drums were identified at this site. SCDES also screened the empty drums and the soil around the drums for organic vapors, and none were detected.
  • There is an ongoing investigation of additional sites based on reports from the public.      

• Current water quality data does not indicate a concern for consuming fish. 

As was previously provided, some of the most frequent causes of fish kills are oxygen depletion, excessive algal blooms and high water temperatures. None of these common causes appear to have been a contributing factor to this fish kill. The property owner — GLH II, LLC — is fully cooperative.    

SCDES and SCDNR continue to investigate and will provide additional updates as new information becomes available. State officials encourage the public to follow trusted news sources for the most recent information. 

To report information related to this fish kill or any fish kill, contact SCDNR’s 24-hour reporting line at 1‑800‑922‑5431.