USGS Home
Contact USGS
Search USGS

Shallow ground-water quality in the coastal plain of Columbia, South Carolina, 1996

U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 130-98 (Published 1999)

By Eric J. Reuber

This report is available online in pdf format (12 MB): FS 130-98.pdf

Introduction

Much of the South Carolina coast is heavily developed, supporting local populations, infrastructure, and a large tourism industry. Local economies are greatly affected by damage and property loss due to coastal erosion, which occurs primarily during severe storm events. In 1989, Hurricane Hugo caused over $5 billion in damages to coastal residences and industry. Understanding the factors controlling coastal erosion, sediment transport, and shoreline change is essential to the successful management of coastal resources.

Significant Findings

• Nitrate was detected in 26 of 30 wells, but all concentrations were below the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency maximum contaminant level of 10 mglL for drinking water.
• Pesticides were detected in 22 of 30 wells.
• Atrazine, deethyl atrazine, simazine, and dieldrin were the most commonly detected pesticides.
• Volatile organic compounds were detected in 27 of 30 wells, and 2 wells had 15 different volatile organic compounds.
• Chloroform was detected in 21 wells. Other volatile organic compounds occurring in more than 5 wells include chloromethane, dichlorobromomethane, benzene, 1,1, I-trichloroethane, iodomethane, trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene, 1, I-dichloroethane, dichloromethane, 4-isopropyl-I-methylbenzene, methyl tert-butyl ether, and acetone.
• Methyl tert-butyl ether and trichloroethylene exceeded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency maximum contaminant levels once each in two different wells.

CONTENTS

Introduction

Description of Columbia Metropolitan Area

Why Is Ground-Water Quality Important?

Site Selection and Well Installation

Chemicals Detected in Shallow Ground Water

Nutrients

Pesticides

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

References

Acknowledgments

For more information

lnfomlation on technical reports and hydrologic data related to the NAWQA Program Cdn be obtained from:

District Chief
U.S. Geological Survey
Stephenson Center-Suite 129
720 Gracern Road
Columbia. SC 292 I 0-7651

Additional information on health effects of nutrients, pesticides, or VOCs and drinking water and drinking water regulations can be obtained by calling the U.S. EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline 1-800-426-4791 or the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) Bureau of Water information line 803-734-5300.

REPORT AVAILABILITY

This report is available online in pdf format (12 MB): USGS FS 130-98
To view the PDF document, you need the free Adobe Acrobat® Reader installed on your computer.

For more information, contact the South Carolina Publications Unit.

USGS South Carolina Publications South Carolina Water Science Center

 USGS South Carolina Publications • South Carolina Water Science Center