Highlights
Donation will fund testing of eight water samples from local tidal creeks to determine the levels and sources of bacterial contamination
About This Deal
The Issue: Bacterial Contamination of Local Waterways
Though the small tidal creeks in Charleston Harbor have historically high levels of bacterial contamination, reduced federal funding has limited the monitoring of water quality in the state. Fecal coliform and other bacteria that are left unchecked in Charleston's waterways pose threats to the human and ecological communities and can facilitate the spread of disease. Testing water samples from inland waters can help identify and decrease the spread of bacteria and fecal matter in swimming, boating, and fishing water to maintain the health of the region.
The Campaign: Test Water Quality to Identify Bacterial Source
If this Grassroots campaign raises $400, then Charleston Waterkeeper can test 16 samples of local water for bacterial contamination, with all donations matched up to $500 by Flyway SC. Each additional $50 raised will fund the testing of another water sample. Charleston Waterkeeper will collect the water samples from tidal creeks and waterways near downtown and test levels of fecal coliform and enterococcus bacteria to determine whether bacteria is contaminating the areas. The organization eventually aims to track down and eliminate any sources of bacteria to ensure clean and safe areas for boating, fishing, and swimming.
Donations will be matched up to $500 by Flyway SC. To celebrate the launch of Groupon Grassroots, Groupon will also provide a $1,000 kickoff grant to this campaign.
Fine Print
About Charleston Waterkeeper
Charleston Waterkeeper conducts four primary programs to gather data on Charleston’s waterways in order to protect the health and vitality of the water for the entire community. Water Quality and Stormwater Monitoring programs gather empirical information to identify and resolve water-pollution issues from sewage and storm-water runoff. The Permit Watchdog program researches permits and discharge-monitoring reports to prevent unlawful discharges, and the Patrol program helps keep the rivers clean and free of pollution by maintaining a physical presence on the water. Charleston Waterkeeper recently became a member of the Waterkeeper Alliance, a movement of 200 organizations that patrol and protect more than 100,000 miles of rivers, streams, and coastlines across the globe.
