29-12 An ArcGIS-Powered Spatial Analysis of Enterococci in the Charleston Metropolitan Waterways from Charleston Waterkeeper’s Swim Alert Program
Session: Undergraduate Research, Part II (Posters)
Poster Booth No.: 63
Presenting Author:
Harrison CaspinoAuthors:
Caspino, Harrison Kele 1, Vulava, Vijay M.2, Levine, Norman S.3, Carmack-Smith, Cheryl4(1) Department of Geology and Environmental Geosciences, College of Charleston, Charleston, SC, USA, (2) Department of Geology and Environmental Geosciences, College of Charleston, Charleston, SC, USA, (3) Department of Geology and Environmental Geosciences, College of Charleston, CHARLESTON, SC, USA, (4) Charleston Waterkeeper, Charleston, South Carolina, USA,
Abstract:
Charleston, South Carolina, is an urban, coastal city that lies between two major rivers, the Ashley River and the Cooper River. The Charleston metropolitan area has a population of approximately 870,000 people as of the 2020 U.S. Census. However, the current population growth rate is triple the national average (8.8%), according to the Charleston Regional Development Alliance. The rapid urbanization of the coastal metro has led to the introduction of harmful pathogens into local waterways. In 2009, Charleston Waterkeeper, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was formed to monitor and report on urban water quality in Charleston, with a special focus on enterococci (ENT), which are fecal indicator bacteria. Charleston Waterkeeper has been collecting and reporting ENT levels to the public since 2013. In this study, our focus is to utilize ArcGIS-powered tools to quantify trends in ENT levels over the past 12 years. Precipitation, tidal levels, and the presence of impervious surfaces heavily influence ENT counts. Precipitation and tidal fluctuations frequently inundate areas across the Charleston peninsula, with the number of flooding events increasing annually. Rainfall is a crucial variable in contaminant transport, and recent literature suggests that coastal communities with tidally influenced groundwater levels are at significant risk of increased ENT impairment with sea-level rise. We developed a dashboard to both provide updates to the public and monitor the chronic environmental health of the rapidly urbanizing peninsula. Furthermore, a trend analysis of tidal levels, antecedent rainfall conditions, and spikes in ENT counts was conducted with the aim of integrating this analysis into the public-facing dashboard. This project aims to enable community members and experts in the field to gain a deeper understanding of the coastal waters that are vital to the landscape, economy, and public health.
Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 58, No. 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 The Geological Society of America (GSA), all rights reserved.
An ArcGIS-Powered Spatial Analysis of Enterococci in the Charleston Metropolitan Waterways from Charleston Waterkeeper’s Swim Alert Program
Category
Topical Sessions
Description
Session Format: Poster
Presentation Date: 3/10/2026
Presentation Room: RCC, Lower Level Hall
Poster Booth No.: 63
Author Availability: 2:00-4:00 p.m.
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