Fecal Contamination Crisis Hits South Carolina Beaches

News Summary

A recent report highlights alarming levels of fecal contamination at South Carolina beaches, with 74% of those tested showing unsafe bacterial levels. Major sites affected include Folly Beach, Hilton Head Island, and Sullivan’s Island. Health experts emphasize the risks of swimming in these waters, with numerous illness cases linked to pollution. The situation is exacerbated by outdated sewage systems and extreme weather conditions. Urgent action is needed to upgrade wastewater infrastructure in the state as federal funding remains insufficient.

Columbia, South Carolina — A recent report reveals alarming levels of fecal contamination at South Carolina beaches, contributing to nationwide concerns about water safety. In 2024, 74% of the 23 beaches tested in South Carolina showed potentially unsafe levels of fecal bacteria on at least one day, significantly higher than the national average of 61% among 3,187 beaches tested. Major locations affected include Folly Beach, Hilton Head Island, Sullivan’s Island, and Kiawah Island.

Sections of Myrtle Beach were also reported to have multiple exceedances of safety thresholds set for fecal bacteria. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established a threshold level of fecal indicator bacteria associated with 32 illnesses per 1,000 swimmers, serving as a critical benchmark for evaluating beach safety.

In July 2025, the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services issued a swimming advisory for Edisto Island due to elevated levels of fecal bacteria, following similar advisories in May for Pawleys Island and Debordieu Beach. These advisories underscore the ongoing public health risks associated with swimming in contaminated waters.

Health Risks Linked to Fecal Contamination

Scientists estimate that 57 million instances of illness occur annually in the U.S. attributed to swimming in polluted waters, leading to a range of health issues such as nausea, diarrhea, ear infections, and skin rashes. Alarmingly, most of these illnesses go unreported, contributing to a growing lack of awareness regarding the serious nature of water pollution.

Causes of Contamination

The contamination results primarily from deteriorated sewage systems and stormwater runoff, with significant sewage leaks reported in various areas. Notable incidents include over 5,000 gallons of untreated sewage entering Jeffries Creek in Florence and a staggering 120,000 gallons leaking into Lake Murray in Chapin. Additionally, the City of Columbia reported 85 sewer spills totaling over 1 million gallons in the previous year, intensifying concerns about contamination of nearby creeks, rivers, and streams.

Impact of Extreme Weather

Extreme weather events may worsen the situation, as they place increased strain on outdated wastewater systems, further heightening the risk of fecal contamination at popular beach destinations. This increasing frequency of storms raises serious questions about the safety of recreational waters as an outlet for South Carolinians.

Funding Challenges for Solutions

To mitigate the risks associated with fecal contamination, effective solutions include enlarging, repairing, and upgrading wastewater systems. The federal Clean Water State Revolving Fund aims to assist local governments in financing these necessary upgrades but faces challenges, as it has supplied less than 20% of the annualized funding required. The EPA estimates that to bring U.S. wastewater systems up to the necessary standards, around $630 billion will need to be invested over the next two decades.

Currently, the House Appropriations Committee has approved a $1.21 billion budget for the revolving fund for fiscal year 2026, marking a significant reduction of $430 million from the last year’s allocation of $1.64 billion.

Public Health Concerns

As fecal contamination remains a pressing issue, public health concerns in South Carolina intensify. Residents and visitors alike face heightened risks of exposure to raw sewage while swimming, fishing, or boating in affected waters. The need for awareness and action is urgent to safeguard the health of beachgoers and protect precious coastal ecosystems.

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Additional Resources

• South Carolina Daily Gazette
• Wikipedia: Water Pollution
• CBS17
• Google Search: fecal bacteria beaches
• WFMY News 2
• Google Scholar: beach water safety
• Myrtle Beach Online
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Sewage