COLUMBIA, S.C. — Columbia Water officials are asking the general public to use caution along two sections of the river around the city after reports of high bacteria levels.
The two bacteria reports came from the Rosewood Drive Landing area on the Congaree River and the USGS Gauge Station above the Riverbanks Zoo on the Saluda River.
The Saluda sample applies to a section just southeast of I-26 and northwest of the Riverbanks Zoo. The Congaree sample, which was taken at the Rosewood Drive Landing, covers a stretch of water south of Blossom Street. Both were taken on Wednesday.
According to Columbia Water, follow-up samples were collected on Thursday and will be tested with results available on Friday.
At this time, the department doesn't recommend contact with the water such as swimming, wading, tubing, or paddling. People with compromised immune systems or open wounds should also use caution, as should children.
