Why Is The Savannah River So Dirty?

As the Savannah River flows through the Coastal Plain, it comes into contact with more and more “unconsolidated rocks” and carries them to the sea. In addition, the climate within the Coastal Plain is perfect for growing trees that drop lots of leaves, some of which stain the water a dark tea color as they decay.

Why is Savannah River Dirty?

With hundreds of sources of environmental pollution, the Savannah River is impaired by heavy metals, sediment, and low levels of dissolved oxygen. Industrial expansion and land development increase the risk of further pollution.

How toxic is the Savannah River?

The Savannah River and her tributaries received over 5 million pounds of toxic pollution making it the third worst in the country.

Is Savannah River water safe?

The City of Savannah’s water meets all EPA and state standards for safe drinking water.

Is the Savannah River fresh or saltwater?

The Savannah River supplies drinking water to Augusta and Savannah, Georgia, and Hilton Head, and Beaufort, SC, and many smaller municipalities in the basin. As salt water intrudes into the aquifers near the coast, the freshwater of the Savannah River becomes even more important as a source of drinking water.

Is the Savannah River radioactive?

Non-radioactive operations began at the Replacement Tritium Facility and the Defense Waste Processing Facility (DWPF). K Reactor was placed in cold standby condition in 1993. Non-radioactive test runs of the Defense Waste Processing Facility began.

What is the water quality of the Savannah River?

Recent data shows over 70% of Savannah River is likely contaminated. SAVANNAH, GA (WTOC) – Recent data from The Savannah Riverkeeper shows 72 percent of the Savannah river is likely contaminated. An even bigger issue has been how both Georgia and South Carolina show their data on the river.

Where does Savannah get its drinking water?

Savannah is very fortunate to have two outstanding drinking water sources, the Floridan Aquifer and the Savannah River.

What is the Savannah River used for?

The river provides drinking water to two of Georgia’s major metropolitan areas, Augusta and Savannah, and assimilates their treated wastewater. It is also a source of drinking water for the cities of Beaufort and Hilton Head in South Carolina and for many smaller municipalities in the basin.

What happens at Savannah River Site?

SRS – History Highlights. The Savannah River Site was constructed during the early 1950s to produce the basic materials used in the fabrication of nuclear weapons, primarily tritium and plutonium-239, in support of our nation’s defense programs. Five reactors were built to produce these materials.

Can I swim in Savannah River?

Head to the Savannah River Beach at the north end of the island for a peaceful swim and a chance to spot dolphins playing in the clear water.

Is Tybee Island Tap water Safe?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulates public water systems. As shown in our Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), City of Tybee Island’s water supply meets all federal and state EPA drinking water standards.

Can you swim in the Savannah River in Augusta Ga?

The Savannah River has some potentially unfortunate consequences for would-be swimmers. As a major shipping channel and also as a potential carrier of rain runoff and contaminants, the river may sometimes contribute to high bacteria counts, which can occur particularly after major storms on any beach.

Are there sharks in the Savannah River?

“So we know that Georgia has a pretty strong population of a variety of shark species from the Savannah River to St.

Are there alligators in the Savannah River?

Alligators favor freshwater habitats, such as swamps, wetlands, rivers, lakes and ponds. On the Savannah River Site, Savannah River Ecology Lab (SREL) alligator research focuses on the abundant populations at PAR Pond, L-Lake, and on the Savannah River.

Are there dolphins in the Savannah River?

The Carolina coastline abounds with bottlenose dolphins. These playful and highly intelligent marine mammals are common in the waters off Tybee Island, where the Savannah River empties into the Atlantic Ocean at the borders of Georgia and South Carolina.

Why was the Savannah River nuclear plant built?

The Savannah River Site was constructed to produce the basic materials necessary in the fabrication of nuclear weapons, primarily tritium and plutonium-239. Five reactors were also built in an effort to produce these materials for our nation’s defense programs.

How many nuclear plants are in South Carolina?

four nuclear power facilities
South Carolina has four nuclear power facilities and two closely located in neighboring states. All South Carolina counties, except for five coastal counties (Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Dorchester, and Georgetown) fall within the 10 or 50-mile emergency planning zones of at least one nuclear power plant.

Where is nuclear waste stored in South Carolina?

Introduction. The Chem-Nuclear Site is a Low-Level Radioactive Waste Disposal Facility located in Barnwell County near the town of Snelling. The facility occupies about 235 acres deeded to the state of South Carolina by Chem-Nuclear Systems (CNS).

Is the Savannah River still polluted?

This contamination threatens the Savannah River. Pollution of the Savannah River: The Savannah River is contaminated as a result of highly contaminated surface water flowing into it from SRS, though the large flow of the river dilutes the contamination to well within present safe drinking water limits.

Is Savannah water hard or soft?

Georgia water is considered soft water. The average water hardness for the Georgia resident is around 60 PPM.
Water Hardness Summary.