Lake Hartwell Partners for Clean Water
A healthier lake for today and tomorrow
In 2013, Lake Hartwell turned green with algae. The taste and odor were so bad that fast food places stopped serving fountain sodas. For four consecutive summers, this algal problem continued.
Recognizing that this economic and recreational treasure, home to thousands of shoreline residents, and critical drinking water source requires a cooperative approach for protection, the Lake Hartwell Partners for Clean Water convened in 2020. The group is convening partners to have a more expanded conversation on Lake Hartwell’s watershed improved management and health. The group meets virtually monthly to review key issues and identify opportunities for better collaboration. To join the discussion, email Katie Callahan at katieca@clemson.edu. Meetings are run by the Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce.
Vision
Lake Hartwell is central to our community and quality of life. We seek to activate our community to create positive changes to protect this source of drinking water and its surrounding environment.
Two projects are currently underway including the Center:
- SC Adopt-a-Stream Volunteer Recruitment and Motivation – funded by Duke Energy, 2019 This work includes identification of monitoring locations important to the mission of protecting Lake Hartwell; volunteer monitor recruitment with SC Adopt-a-Stream; enlisting the support of local businesses to support and motivate volunteer monitors
- Twelvemile River Watershed Based Plan to Address E. coli and Sediment – funded by SC Department of Health and Environmental Control, 2022 In partnership with Upstate Forever, the Center will utilize field observations, monitoring data, GIS analyses, and more to develop a blue print for addressing bacteria and sediment pollution in this watershed that drains to Lake Hartwell. Read more about the Twelvemile River Watershed Based Plan.
