{"id":2365,"date":"2026-06-29T14:08:23","date_gmt":"2026-06-29T14:08:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usmovingexpertss.com\/?p=2365"},"modified":"2026-06-29T14:08:23","modified_gmt":"2026-06-29T14:08:23","slug":"sc-tests-beaches-for-bacteria-biweekly-what-are-myrtle-beach-visitors-swimming-in","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usmovingexpertss.com\/?p=2365","title":{"rendered":"SC tests beaches for bacteria biweekly. What are Myrtle Beach visitors swimming in?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The Grand Strand boasts 60 miles of beachfront, attracting millions of tourists each year to bask in the sun, sand and surf.<\/p>\n

Read more One person killed when moped and car collide in Lexington County, SC cops say<\/a><\/p>\n

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But as visitors dip their toes into the ocean, how do they know what they are swimming in?<\/p>\n

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Years of ocean water testing shows that several beach locations in the Myrtle Beach area are more likely to have elevated levels of bacteria.<\/p>\n

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South Carolina\u2019s Department of Environmental Services tests ocean water from 122 stations along the state\u2019s coast between May 1 and Oct. 1 for elevated levels of Enterococcus bacteria, indicating possible contamination from fecal waste. Areas with elevated levels are typically located near stormwater runoff pipes or swashes.<\/p>\n

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After periods of heavy rainfall, runoff is more likely to contain elevated bacteria levels. If so, temporary swimming advisories are issued. Long-term swimming advisories are issued when more than 10% of data from the last five years exceed the bacteria level threshold.<\/p>\n

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The Grand Strand has more long-term swimming advisories than any other coastal area in the state. There are currently 18 long-term advisories, with most beginning in 2007 and 2008.<\/p>\n

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\u201cAs development increases, impervious surfaces also increase, which can result in greater volumes of stormwater runoff,\u201d SCDES spokesperson Vanessa Diaz said by email, adding that changes in bacteria levels are difficult to contribute to a single factor.<\/p>\n

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With more risk of bacteria being present near ocean outfalls, what\u2019s being done to address it?<\/p>\n

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What are monitoring stations being tested for?<\/h2>\n

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SCDES tests the ocean monitoring sites for Enterococcus, bacteria that holds up better in salt water conditions and is easier to detect.<\/p>\n

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Enterococcusis a type of bacteria that is naturally present in warm-blooded animals, including humans, pets and wildlife. While theyare typically not considered harmful to humans, their presence in the environment could mean other disease-causing organisms may be present.<\/p>\n

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\u201cIt can be indicative that other bacteria might be present if bacteria levels are high in this indicator species,\u201d said SCDES Aquatic Resource Monitoring Manager Courtney Kemmer.<\/p>\n

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If levels of these bacteria exceed 104cfu\/100mL (colony-forming units per 100mL), a short term advisory is issued, with the bacteria typically only being present for one or two days. Additional testing is conducted every day until levels fall below the threshold, and the advisory is removed.<\/p>\n

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Each station is tested once every two weeks, and areas with long-term advisories are tested every week. Data for the long-term advisories are recalculated every year.<\/p>\n

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Most short-term advisories are issued after periods of heavy rainfall, when stormwater runoff traps debris and pollutants.<\/p>\n

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\u201cThese pollutants can include fecal bacteria from wildlife, pets, streets, yards and other urban sources,\u201d Diaz said. \u201cSome stormwater outfalls discharge directly onto beaches, which can contribute to increased bacteria levels in nearby ocean waters.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Very few short-term advisories have been issued this season, as there has been a lack of rainfall.<\/p>\n

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SCDES warns against swimming in swashes or drainage creeks, as elevated levels of bacteria could be present. Potential health impacts include gastrointestinal effects, like upset stomach. Exposure to bacteria mainly occurs after swallowing water, so activities like wading, shelling and fishing don\u2019t present a risk. Avoid entering swashes with open wounds.<\/p>\n

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Bacteria can be present in surf zones near swashes for several hours after rainfall. As soon as the water flushes the system (about 48 hours), bacteria levels usually return to normal, Kemmer said. Swimming in the ocean away from swashes generally does not pose a high risk outside of periods with heavy rainfall.<\/p>\n

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Locations with long-term advisories include:<\/h3>\n

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Briarcliffe Acres:<\/b><\/p>\n

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