DHEC’s Latest ‘Triennial Review’ Shows more than 99% of S.C. Public Drinking Water Meets Safety Standards
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 26, 2023, Comprehensive report demonstrates S.C.’s Capacity Development Strategy is ensuring safe drinking water, COLUMBIA, S.C. ― This month, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) released its triennial review of the effectiveness of the State Capacity Development Strategy for Drinking Water. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), through the Safe Drinking Water Act, requires all states to perform these reviews to make certain their state-level strategies help…, said Dr. Edward Simmer, DHEC Director., “All South Carolinians deserve access to drinking water that meets all the standards for supporting good health. I’m proud of all that DHEC’s Bureau of Water staff does to monitor drinking water across the state and provide assistance to drinking water providers to ensure the quality of water their customers receive.” DHEC’s 2023 Triennial Drinking Water Capacity Development Report shows that…, said Myra Reece, DHEC Director of Environmental Affairs., "These comprehensive triennial reviews help us identify the issues that may prevent water systems from meeting full compliance and how they can be corrected, which is a critical part of our mission to ensure every community receives clean, safe drinking water." Previous triennial review reports and additional information about drinking water, including where drinking water comes from and how it’s…DHEC Reopens Shellfish Harvesting Locations from Hilton Head Island North to Edisto Island
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 31, 2023 COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is reopening immediately the shellfish harvesting beds from Hilton Head Island in Beaufort County north to Edisto Island in Charleston that were closed yesterday due to Hurricane Idalia. "With the hurricane warnings expired and the areas impacted not exceeding rainfall…, said Mike Marshall, Manager of DHEC's Shellfish Sanitation Section. , For more information on shellfish harvesting in your area, please visit https://des.sc.gov/community/environmental-sites-projects/pollution-advisories-monitoring/shellfish-bed-monitoring or contact your local DHEC Environmental Affairs Office. ###DHEC Reminds Homeowners Impacted by Idalia of Well Testing, Mold Resources Available
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 31, 2023 COLUMBIA, S.C. ― The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) has resources available for homeowners whose properties have been impacted by flooding from Tropical Storm Idalia, including information about protecting private drinking water wells that may have been affected by floodwaters and addressing mold. “We understand that…, said Dr. Edward Simmer, DHEC Director., “I encourage anyone to call our hotlines to receive helpful information about the steps you can take to make sure your well water is safe and to address any mold issues that can be caused by floodwater.”, Private Wells, DHEC recommends that well-owners inspect their wells after severe weather to check for damage, and to remove any plugs or coverings on the casing vents. If a well was not flooded, its water is likely unchanged, and no further actions should be needed. However, if a well was flooded, then the homeowner should take several steps: • Use bottled water or water that you boil for drinking or cooking…, DHEC’s Private Well Hotline at, 888-761-5989, for help during 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays., Mold, Mold can also become an issue after flooding events. While DHEC’s doesn’t have regulatory authority to test for or remediate mold, the agency offers a, Mold Hotline at, 888-815-3509, ., Representatives can help provide information and recommendations for dealing with mold. Porous materials — wood, drywall, carpet, mattresses, fabrics and furniture made of particle board — soak up water like a sponge. Items that cannot be dried thoroughly within 24-48 hours of getting wet are much more difficult to disinfect and may need to be replaced to prevent mold growth. DHEC also has…DHEC Closes Shellfish Harvesting Locations from Hilton Head Island North to Edisto Island
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 30, 2023 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is closing shellfish harvesting beds from Hilton Head Island in Beaufort County north to Edisto Island in Charleston at sunset today, August 30, due to Hurricane Idalia. “When a hurricane warning is issued by NOAA's National Hurricane Center, we are required to close…, said Mike Marshall, manager of DHEC's Shellfish Sanitation Section., "DHEC will send notification once the area is reopened for shellfish harvesting." For more information on clam and oyster harvesting areas in the affected area, call DHEC's Beaufort County Environmental Affairs Office at 843-846-1030 or the Charleston County Environmental Affairs Office at 843-953-0150 . Learn more about DHEC’s Shellfish Sanitation Program at https://des.sc.gov/community/…Dam and reservoir owner-operators should monitor potential weather impacts from Hurricane Idalia
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 29, 2023 COLUMBIA. S.C. — As Hurricane Idalia is expected to have weather impacts on South Carolina this week, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) advises dam and reservoir owner-operators to take proactive steps to prepare for potentially severe weather. Dam and reservoir owner-operators should clear debris from spillways and…, said Jill Stewart, P.E., Director of DHEC’s Dam Safety and Stormwater Permitting Division., "In addition, owners and operators are advised to coordinate any water release with other dam owners or property owners downstream that could be impacted. It’s also important before and after a storm has passed to remove any accumulated trash and debris from spillways." Resources to help dam and reservoir owners prepare for severe weather can be found on DHEC’s Dam Safety Program website, scdhec.…, Stewart said., "If problems develop to a point where failure of the dam might be imminent, the owner or operator of the dam should first call 911, then contact downstream property owners and DHEC Dam Safety Program staff at 803-898-1939 .” For the latest information about Hurricane Idalia, visit the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (EMD) website at scemd.org, download EMD’s free mobile app, and…DHEC Issues Updated Wildfire Smoke Alert
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 18, 2023 Residents of South Carolina should be aware of the risk for health effects related to smoke from wildfires that originated from fires burning across parts of western Canada, the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) reported today. Smoke from these fires has been in place across the state since Monday, and smoke will likely continue through at…DHEC Emphasizes Swimming Safety for the Summer
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 5, 2023 COLUMBIA, S.C. — As temperatures rise and South Carolinians spend more time enjoying private or public pools, lakes, rivers, oceans, hot tubs and splashpads, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) reminds residents about the importance of practicing safe swimming. While DHEC has key roles in water safety – inspecting public…, said Karilyn Tremblay, DHEC State Injury Prevention Program Manager, . “Take the time to learn more about safe swimming, drowning prevention and how to call for help. The National Drowning Prevention Alliance explains that we need to use multiple layers of protection to prevent a drowning death.” The National Drowning Prevention Alliance’s 5 Layers of Protection include: , Barriers and Alarms, – Use fences, locked gates and safety covers to restrict access and alarms to alert you to unauthorized access at home pools , Supervision, – Designate a water watcher at all times , Water Competency, – Take swim lessons and follow water safety rules , Life Jackets, – U.S. Coast Guard tested and approved life jackets should be worn by everyone, when in or around open/natural bodies of water, and when boating , Emergency Preparation, – Learn and practice CPR and be ready to call 911 The American Red Cross provides free material on water safety including free swim lessons for the whole family. DHEC can connect residents with support groups, swim lessons and other trained injury prevention specialists. For help organizing a no-cost water safety event at your neighborhood pool, recreation center, daycare or school, contact…DHEC and Community Partners Host Educational Data Walk About Alarming Local Trends
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 12, 2023 COLUMBIA, S.C. – Tomorrow, Tuesday, June 13, the, Lake City/Lower Florence Coalition, , a partnership between the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control’s Pee Dee Region, HopeHealth, Florence School District 3, Main Street Elementary and Circle Park Behavioral Health Services, will be hosting its first Data Walk at the, Main Street Elementary School Gymnasium, from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. During the event, DHEC-Pee Dee Region and community partners will be presenting public health-related information to the community. Topics to be discussed include access to care, injury and violence prevention, maternal and infant health, and housing and transportation. The data walk is an opportunity for participants to gather and review critically important Florence County…DHEC Stresses Importance of Being Prepared for Severe Weather as Hurricane Season Begins
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 7, 2023 COLUMBIA, S.C. – The 2023 hurricane season officially began on June 1, and the South Carolina Department of Health and Control (DHEC) reiterates the South Carolina Emergency Management Division’s (EMD) important message of being prepared for severe weather events this summer and fall. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. EMD is South…DHEC Issues Updated Wildfire Smoke Alert
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 7, 2023 COLUMBIA, S.C. − South Carolinians should be aware of the continued risk for health effects related to smoke from wildfires originating from fires burning across parts of eastern and western Canada, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) announced today. Smoke from these fires has been in place across the state since Tuesday,…