Lake Keowee Source Water Protection Team
Lakes Keowee and Lake Jocassee play a vital role in the Upstate, not only for as a critical source of drinking water, but also for recreational boating and fishing. The Lake Keowee Source Water Protection Team (LKSWPT) is focused on preserving our pristine Lake Keowee and Jocassee Watersheds. These efforts, from their inception in 2017, have focused on identifying and monitoring the water quality of the two lakes. The LKSWPT was formed and is funded by Duke Energy. The team’s specific objective is to undertake activities to protect, maintain and improve water quality in the watershed by addressing both existing water quality issues and also identifying problems that could occur as the area continues to develop.
The Center serves as partners and technical advisor to the LKSWPT. Projects include the following:
- Lake Keowee Watershed Based Plan – funded by SC Department of Health and Environmental Control and Duke Energy. This watershed plan addressed sources of bacteria to Lake Keowee. The Center performed GIS analyses in support of source identification, including analyses that evaluated soil suitability for septic systems and required level of maintenance.
- Septic System Repair and Replacement Implementation Grant - funded by SC Department of Health and Environmental Control and Duke Energy. Stemming from recommendations of the Lake Keowee Watershed Based Plan to Address E. coli as well as the completed Cane and Little Cane Creek Watershed Plan to Address E. coli, the Center has worked with the LKSWPT to advertise cost-share on failing septic systems. This project is ongoing. Those interested can apply for financial assistance to repair or replace their septic system.
For more information please visit the Lake Keowee Source Water Protection Team website.
Visit the Lake Keowee Source Water Protection Team website