News, Reports & Events
Since 2013 we have published an annual sewer spill report for Congaree Riverkeeper's jurisdictional area, which includes the Lower Saluda, Lower Broad, and Congaree Rivers, and their tributaries. In 2025 there were more than 100 reported sanitary sewer overflows (SSO's) totaling more than seven million gallons of sewage spilled in our watershed. This report was compiled using data from the SCDES Sewer Overflow Database , public notifications, and communications with local sewer providers. Sewer overflows are a serious water quality concern. They can contaminate waterways and create both ecological and public health issues. River users who are exposed to sewer overflows may experience health problems including infections, rashes, and gastrointestinal issues.
Another busy year of fighting for our rivers is in the books.
In 2025 we held 14 rivers and stream cleanups and, with the help of 210 volunteers, we picked up more than 7,500 pounds of trash from our local waterways. Since 2019 we've partnered with the South Carolina Aquarium to track the trash we collect at our cleanups through the Litter Journal app . The data we collect helps us identify litter trends, inform advocacy and policy, and educate the public. This year we collected and recorded 15,817 pieces of trash and debris at our cleanups.
