Protecting Charleston's Waterways
Water is the reason Charleston exists. It's how the city was built, how its economy grew, and how generations of families have fished, paddled, and swam through the Lowcountry's rivers, marshes, and creeks. But that same water — the Ashley, the Cooper, the Wando, the Stono — faces mounting threats from unchecked pollution, wetland destruction, and aggressive development. Standing at the forefront of protecting these waterways is Charleston Waterkeeper, an organization dedicated to ensuring that Charleston's waters remain clean, healthy, and safe for generations to come.
The Mission of Charleston Waterkeeper
Charleston Waterkeeper is the heart and soul of clean water in Charleston, SC and beyond. As a member of the international Waterkeeper Alliance, the organization takes a data-driven approach to monitoring and improving water quality throughout the region.
For Charleston Waterkeeper, it all comes back to one simple truth: water is what defines Charleston — it shapes the city's history, economy, and way of life. The organization exists to defend that connection, working to ensure residents can fish and swim in local waters without fear of pollution. Through science, advocacy, and hands-on restoration, they work to hold polluters accountable, push for stronger environmental protections, and turn everyday residents into stewards of their own waterways.
Science-Driven Water Quality Monitoring
At the core of Charleston Waterkeeper's work is their Water Watch program, a rigorous testing initiative that monitors local waterways for contaminants including bacteria, pathogens, plastic pellets known as nurdles, hydrocarbons, and pesticides. Beyond contaminants, the team also tracks indicators like temperature, dissolved oxygen, salinity, and phytoplankton diversity to build a full picture of habitat health.
This data doesn't just sit in a report — it drives action. By pinpointing pollution sources with hard evidence, Charleston Waterkeeper is able to advocate for stronger environmental protections and hold industries and municipalities accountable when they fall short.
One of the organization's most visible initiatives is the Swim Alert project, which tests bacteria levels at 20 recreational hotspots across the region. The results are shared publicly, giving paddlers, swimmers, and anglers the information they need to make informed decisions about when — and where — it's safe to get in the water.
Restoring Habitat, One Oyster Reef at a Time
Charleston Waterkeeper's impact goes beyond monitoring. Through the South Carolina Oyster Recycling and Enhancement (SCORE) program, the organization builds oyster reefs and plants marsh grass to combat shoreline erosion and rebuild critical marine habitat. Oyster reefs aren't just good for biodiversity — they act as natural water filters, and healthy marsh grass helps stabilize shorelines against the erosion that threatens so much of the Lowcountry's coastline.
Building a Community of Stewards
Charleston Waterkeeper knows that lasting change requires more than science — it requires community. The organization regularly hosts clean-up events, oyster reef restorations, and educational workshops designed to get residents directly involved in protecting the waters they love. These hands-on opportunities have turned countless Charleston locals into lifelong advocates for clean water, while the organization's advocacy work has led to improved water quality standards and helped shape state legislation protecting local waterways.
Our Partnership with Charleston Waterkeeper
At Rivers & Glen Trading Company, we believe that protecting the places we fish, hunt, and explore is just as important as celebrating them. That's why we're proud to partner with Charleston Waterkeeper on events that bring our community together in support of clean water.
We have collaborated with Charleston Waterkeeper on events like the Rally for Clean Water Trash Tournament and the Charleston Fly Tournament - events that combine waterway clean-ups, education, and celebration into a weekend built around giving back.
This October marks the 7th Annual Charleston Fly Tournament, with Charleston Waterkeeper as the tournament beneficiary — with all proceeds going directly to support their mission. From water testing and pollution advocacy to habitat restoration, every dollar raised helps Charleston Waterkeeper continue their work protecting the waters we all fish, paddle, and explore.
These partnerships matter because the waters we love to fish are the same waters Charleston Waterkeeper works every day to protect. Supporting their mission means ensuring that future generations can experience the same clean, thriving waterways that make this region so special.
How You Can Get Involved
Whether you're a longtime angler, a weekend boater, or simply someone who loves the Lowcountry, there are plenty of ways to support Charleston Waterkeeper's mission:
- Volunteer: Join a clean-up, help restore an oyster reef, or plant marsh grass through their SCORE program. Volunteer Opportunities
- Check the Swim Alert: Stay informed about water quality before you swim or fish at your favorite spot. Live Swim Alert
- Report Pollution: Spot something unusual on the water? Submit a pollution report directly to Charleston Waterkeeper — it only takes a few minutes.
- Donate: Financial support helps fund water testing, advocacy, and restoration projects across the region.
- Join Us in October: Come out for the 7th Annual Charleston Fly Tournament, where all proceeds benefit Charleston Waterkeeper.
Protecting the Waters That Define Us
Charleston Waterkeeper embodies the same values we hold at Rivers & Glen: a deep respect for the outdoors and a commitment to protecting it for the next generation. As long as there are rivers to fish and waterways to explore, organizations like Charleston Waterkeeper will be essential to keeping them clean, healthy, and accessible for all of us.