Brian Barton
The Reedy River is a 65-mile-long tributary of the Saluda River in northwestern South Carolina. It has faced ecological changes due to commercial, institutional, and residential development, resulting in impaired water quality from pollutants. These pollutants include nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, which drive algal growth and impact dissolved oxygen levels, affecting the river's ecosystem. Other factors such as temperature, bacteria, and runoff from parking lots, lawns, and fertilizers also contribute to the river's pollution. Greenville County and local groups are actively working to improve water quality through various initiatives, including stormwater management and citizen education on clean water practices.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Length | 65 miles (105 km) |
| Location | Northwestern South Carolina, United States |
| Tributary | Saluda River |
| Watershed | Part of the Santee River watershed |
| Water Quality Issues | High levels of pollution, including nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus), sewage discharges, runoff from urbanization, and pollutants from nearby textile mills |
| Ecological Changes | Riparian forest converted to commercial, institutional, and residential developments, leading to impaired water quality and channel erosion |
| Initiatives to Improve Water Quality | Reedy River Water Quality Group, Stormwater management programs, Nutrient removal upgrades, Education on clean water practices, Grants for septic malfunctions |
| Recreation Impact | Pollution hinders recreation outside the city, with local governments prohibiting swimming, kayaking, and other activities due to health risks |
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What You'll Learn
High levels of nitrogen and phosphorus
The Reedy River, a tributary of the Saluda River in northwestern South Carolina, has long faced issues with pollution. While the river is a beloved recreational spot for many, it has suffered from severe pollution due to various factors, including nearby textile mills, sewage discharges, and runoff from increased urbanisation. The river's health and ecosystem are under significant stress, and it is now listed by the state as "impaired," indicating potential health risks associated with swimming, kayaking, and other activities.
One of the primary concerns regarding the pollution in the Reedy River is the high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus. These nutrients play a critical role in driving algal growth and affecting the balance of available dissolved oxygen in the water. High levels of nitrogen and phosphorus can lead to excessive algal growth, known as algal blooms, which can be detrimental to the river's ecosystem. Since the 1990s, efforts have been made to reduce phosphorus concentrations in the Reedy River watershed, and significant progress has been made, with a reduction of more than half. This led to the river being removed from the impaired water list for phosphorus at Boyd's Millpond in 2016.
However, the issue of high nitrogen levels remains a pressing concern. Lake Greenwood and Boyd's Mill Pond, which are fed by the Reedy River, have been reported to have excess nitrogen levels. To address this issue, local governments and organisations like the Reedy River Water Quality Group are actively working to reduce nutrient levels. The Reedy River Water Quality Group, formed in 2015, has become a national leader in water quality restoration by collaborating with the public to reduce pollutants entering the river. Their efforts include educating the community about clean water practices and implementing programs to address septic malfunctions.
Additionally, Greenville County and the City of Greenville are maintaining their stormwater management programs to reduce erosion during construction. ReWa, a water resource recovery organisation, has invested in nutrient removal upgrades at its facilities to significantly reduce the phosphorus discharged into the river. These collective efforts demonstrate a dedicated approach to mitigating the high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus in the Reedy River and improving its overall water quality.
The Reedy River's pollution problem is not solely attributed to high nitrogen and phosphorus levels. Other factors, such as temperature, also play a role in polluting the river. Thermal stress, caused by industrial processes or warm stormwater runoff, can act as a pollutant, affecting wildlife and biological activity. By addressing these various issues and encouraging local involvement, there is hope for the rehabilitation of the Reedy River, making it a safer and more enjoyable recreational space for the community.
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Storm drains and runoff
Storm drains are a significant contributor to the pollution of the Reedy River. All storm drains in the area lead directly to the river, and the water entering these drains is not filtered before it enters the river. This means that any pollutants on the ground that are picked up by stormwater runoff will end up in the river.
One of the main sources of stormwater runoff is parking lots, where warm stormwater can pick up pollutants such as oil and grease and carry them directly into waterways. Stormwater runoff can also be a source of thermal pollution, as the warm water can raise the temperature of the river, causing thermal stress to wildlife and biological activity and influencing how much oxygen the river can hold.
In addition to parking lots, other sources of stormwater runoff include lawns, where fertiliser and soap from car washing can be picked up and carried into the river. To reduce the impact of stormwater runoff on the Reedy River, it is recommended that cars be washed on porous surfaces such as lawns or at car washes that recycle water. Proper fertiliser application can also help to reduce pollution levels.
The Reedy River Water Quality Group, formed in 2015, has been working to address the issue of stormwater runoff and other sources of pollution in the river. The group includes local governments, conservation groups, and citizens, all working together to protect, preserve, and improve water quality in the Reedy River. Their efforts have included implementing a cost-share assistance program to help home and business owners repair or replace failing septic tanks and compiling water quality data from monitoring locations along the river.
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Lack of riparian buffers
The Reedy River, a tributary of the Saluda River in South Carolina, has been subjected to severe pollution over the years. While it is a treasured spot for recreation in downtown Greenville, the river's health has been impacted by various factors, including pollution from textile mills, sewage discharges, and urban runoff. One of the contributing factors to the pollution of the Reedy River is the lack of riparian buffers.
Riparian buffers are natural areas of vegetation along the banks of a waterway, such as forests, wetlands, or strips of grass and shrubs. They act as filters, trapping and absorbing pollutants before they enter the water. These buffers can also help stabilize river banks, reducing erosion and sediment runoff. However, the historic riparian forest along the Reedy River has been largely converted for commercial, institutional, and residential developments.
The ecological changes in the riparian areas have had detrimental effects on the river's health and condition. Without adequate riparian buffers, pollutants from urban areas, such as stormwater runoff carrying oils, chemicals, and nutrients, can easily enter the river. This leads to an increase in nutrient levels, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, which can fuel excessive algal growth and deplete oxygen levels in the water. The lack of riparian buffers also contributes to channel erosion and scouring, further degrading the river's ecosystem.
The importance of riparian buffers in maintaining water quality is widely recognized. In response, local governments and conservation groups have formed the Reedy River Water Quality Group, which aims to protect and improve the river's health. One of their focuses is on educating the public about clean water practices and implementing programs to reduce pollution. Additionally, efforts are being made to restore and preserve vegetated zones along the river, recognizing their vital role in filtering pollutants and providing habitat for wildlife.
Overall, the lack of riparian buffers along the Reedy River has contributed to the river's pollution issues. By restoring and conserving these natural filters, there is a potential to significantly improve the water quality and ecological health of the Reedy River and its surrounding environment. These efforts require the collaboration of local communities, governments, and conservation groups, all working together to protect this treasured waterway.
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Sanitary sewer overflows
SSOs can occur due to various factors, including blockages in sewer lines caused by tree roots, grease deposits, solid debris, or inappropriate materials such as fats, oils, and grease (FOG), as well as household products like wipes and sanitary items. Heavy rainfall can also contribute to SSOs by causing inflows of stormwater into sanitary sewers through damage, improper connections, or flooding. In older cities with ageing subsurface infrastructure, the inflow of stormwater during heavy rainfall can overload the sanitary sewer system, resulting in sewage being released into homes, businesses, and streets.
To prevent SSOs, regular maintenance and timely upgrades of infrastructure are crucial. Communities should address SSOs during sewer system master planning and facilities planning, as well as when extending the sewer system into previously unserviced areas. Sewer rehabilitation to reduce or eliminate SSOs can be expensive, but it is important to weigh this cost against the value of the collection system asset and the potential added costs of further deterioration. Ongoing maintenance and rehabilitation can extend the life of the system and maintain its capacity.
In addition to maintenance and rehabilitation, proper public education and disposal regulation are essential. The general population should be educated about the negative impact of inappropriate materials being sent down sewers, such as FOG and "flushable" wipes. Many municipalities have implemented regulations for grease disposal, requiring restaurants and food processing businesses to use grease interceptors. These interceptors prevent grease from entering the sewer system and causing blockages that lead to SSOs.
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Fertilizer use
The Reedy River, a tributary of the Saluda River in northwestern South Carolina, has faced significant pollution issues over the years. One of the primary sources of pollution in the river is nutrient overload, particularly from nitrogen and phosphorus. While efforts have been made to reduce phosphorus concentrations, with some success, nitrogen levels remain a concern.
The excessive nutrients from fertilizers can stimulate the overgrowth of algae and aquatic plants in a process called eutrophication. This overgrowth can lead to the depletion of oxygen in the water as the algae die and decompose, creating "dead zones" where aquatic life cannot survive due to lack of oxygen. Eutrophication can also cause harmful algal blooms, which produce toxins that are dangerous to both humans and aquatic ecosystems.
To mitigate the negative impacts of fertilizer use on the Reedy River, it is essential to practice proper fertilizer management. This includes using fertilizers sparingly and only when necessary, following application guidelines, and avoiding over-application. Additionally, buffer zones along the riverbanks can act as natural filters, trapping fertilizers and other pollutants before they enter the waterway. Implementing best management practices for fertilizer use and promoting sustainable agriculture can help reduce the amount of nutrients entering the Reedy River and improve its overall water quality.
Furthermore, public education and community involvement play a crucial role in minimizing the effects of fertilizer use on the river. Initiatives such as the Reedy River Water Quality Group in Greenville County actively involve citizens in reducing pollutants flowing into the river. By engaging the public, providing education on clean water practices, and promoting responsible fertilizer use, the group has become a leader in water quality restoration. Through collective efforts and a commitment to environmentally conscious practices, it is possible to protect and restore the health and ecological balance of the Reedy River for the benefit of the community and the environment.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the Reedy River is polluted.
The Reedy River is polluted by a variety of sources, including:
- Stormwater runoff, which can carry pollutants such as nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus), bacteria, and thermal stress from industrial processes or parking lots.
- Lack of proper riparian buffers, which can help filter pollutants and stabilize river banks.
- Improper fertilizer use, which can negatively impact water quality.
- Sanitary sewer overflows caused by clogs from fats, oils, and grease dumped down sinks or flushed down toilets.
Pollution has degraded the health and condition of the Reedy River and its ecosystem. It has impaired water quality, affected the availability of dissolved oxygen for aquatic life, and reduced the aesthetic and recreational value of the river and its surrounding parkland.
Various efforts are being made to reduce pollution in the Reedy River, including:
- The formation of the Reedy River Water Quality Group in 2015, which works with the public to reduce pollutants flowing into the river.
- Education on clean water practices, such as encouraging people to clean up after their pets in parks and providing grants for septic maintenance instead of polluting groundwater.
- Implementation of stormwater management programs by local governments to reduce erosion during construction.
- Upgrades at water resource recovery facilities to remove nutrients and reduce phosphorus discharge into the river.
Individuals can make a difference in improving water quality in the Reedy River by:
- Participating in citizen science initiatives like the SC Adopt-a-Stream program to monitor water quality.
- Adopting clean water practices, such as washing cars on porous surfaces or using car washes that recycle water.
- Reducing nutrient levels by properly disposing of fats, oils, and grease, and avoiding the use of excessive fertilizers.
