Water Data & Tools
Coastal Plain Well Inventory Conditional Shellfish Harvest Closures Fish Consumption Advisories Groundwater Data Harmful Algal Blooms Lead Testing for School or Day Care Drinking Water PFAS SC Adopt-a-Stream Hydrogeologic Framework State Regulated Dams Stormwater Notice of Intent Watershed AtlasSCDES Issues Harmful Algal Bloom Recreational Watch for Areas of Lake Hartwell
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 29, 2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) today issued a Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Recreational Watch for portions of Lake Hartwell. On May 27, SCDES Aquatic Science staff conducted a survey of Lake Hartwell including the Coneross Creek lake arm following multiple reports of an algal bloom. Field teams collected water…, Photos show areas of Lake Hartwell where a cyanobacteria harmful algal bloom (HAB) has been observed in May 2026. The bloom has appeared as bright green and blue-green discoloration on the water's surface, resembling spilled paint or streaky patches. SCDES has issued a Recreational Watch for affected areas and continues to monitor conditions throughout the lake., SCDES’s Algal Bloom Monitoring Map is actively updated with current Recreational Watch areas (yellow areas and yellow points on the map). These Recreational Watch areas are locations where the agency has confirmed the presence of the algal bloom based on field surveying or sample collection. To provide a more comprehensive view of the lake, the map also includes reported algal bloom sightings…, SCDES recommends:, , surveying the area before swimming or recreating, , avoiding direct contact with lake water in areas where the HAB is observed, , keeping pets and animals from swimming in or drinking from the lake in areas where the HAB is observed, HABs can cause health impacts to people or pets that come into contact with the algae. The most common symptoms associated with HABs are stomach pain, skin rash, headache, coughing and watery eyes. If a pet displays symptoms after coming into contact with a HAB, please consult with your veterinarian. SCDES will continue to monitor the HAB on Lake Hartwell in order to provide the latest…Savannah River Site
The Savannah River Site (SRS) is post-Cold War-era nuclear material production facility that sits on a 310-square mile area shared by Aiken, Barnwell, and Allendale counties. In 1995, the Department of Energy (DOE) and Environmental Protection Agency formed an Agreement in Principle (AIP) with DHEC to create the Environmental Surveillance and Oversight Program (ESOP) and Federal Facility …Regulations & Regulatory Updates
UST Testing Companies, Contractors & Recyclers Lists
Testing Companies, Cathodic Protection Testing Vendors List SIR Vendors List Underground Storage Tank Testing Vendors List , Recyclers, Tank Sludge RecyclersAmbient Air Monitoring Network
Ambient Air Monitoring Network, SCDES operates air monitoring stations throughout South Carolina to measure the concentrations of pollutants in outdoor (ambient) air that are considered harmful to public health and the environment. The EPA sets national ambient air standards for each type of pollutant and sets minimum requirements for both the number and distribution of monitors among metropolitan statistical areas. The EPA…, Contact, SCDES Air Regulations & Data Analysis Section , Sophie Grimsley ,, Air Regulations & Data Analysis ManagerGood to Know!
Planning Process Advisory Committee
The Planning Process Advisory Committee was created to provide guidance on state and regional water planning activities for the State., Overview, The South Carolina Water Resources Planning and Coordination Act authorizes the agency to appoint interdepartmental and public advisory boards as necessary to advise them in developing policies for recommendations to the Governor and the General Assembly. To that end, SCDNR established the Planning Process Advisory Committee (PPAC) in March 2018 to advise them on a stakeholder-driven process for…, available here, ), which describes the river basin planning process, the contents of River Basin Plans, and how the River Basin Plans will be used to help develop the new State Water Plan. After the SCDNR Hydrology program was moved to the newly created SCDES in July 2024, the PPAC was dissolved., PPAC Vision Statement, Reflecting our values of water as a shared resource and a shared responsibility, we will work together to develop and maintain an actionable state water plan balancing economic, environmental and social needs of South Carolina for generations to come. PPAC Members,Liberty Steel Public Meeting
The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) is holding a public meeting to discuss the executed Voluntary Cleanup Contract for the Liberty Steel Property located in Georgetown, SC. At this meeting, SCDES, the developer, the environmental consultant, and other participants will provide an overview of the project. Questions will be accepted at the meeting and in writing through…Hurricanes & Floods
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