We the undersigned do petition the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control to improve septic tank regulations and better protect human health and the health of our waterways.

Charleston Waterkeeper's testing data shows that high levels of bacteria often make many popular local waterways like Shem Creek and James Island Creek unsafe for swimming.

DHEC estimates there are more than 800 septic tanks around James Island Creek alone. According to EPA, as many as 20% of septic tanks are likely malfunctioning and leaking poorly treated waste and bacteria pollution into nearby creeks and waterways. 

Accordingly, DHEC must:

• Create regular inspection, maintenance, and reporting requirements for septic tank operators to make sure tanks are working properly and not polluting nearby waterways
• Focus resources in: watersheds with documented bacteria problems, settlement/heirs property communities, and on barrier islands with erosion issues to protect the health of those most exposed to bacteria pollution.

Stand up for clean water today by adding your name below! We will submit this petition to DHEC and with your support, we can make sure they do a better job of protecting your health and health of your favorite waterway from bacteria pollution.

*This is a joint effort with the South Carolina Environmental Law Project and South Carolina Coastal Conservation League