The Wateree River runs 80 miles through Kershaw, Sumter, and Richland counties in South Carolina. Currently, this is the least developed part of our basin, though that could change due to continued development and the expansion of cities in the area. It is difficult to assess many parts of the river due to limited public access points and its remote location. 

Rachael, our Southern Basin Watershed Manager, Brandon, our Riverkeeper, and Ryan, our Policy Manager, recently embarked on a 3-day, 2-night paddle survey of the Wateree River. Each year, we do a survey of this section of the river to gather more information and discover new issues we may need to address. 

Summary of the paddle  

Day 1: They began their journey with a 24.75-mile paddle. 

Day 2: Day two brought overcast skies and winds. They paddled 32 miles, taking advantage of having a break from the sun. 

Day 3: They covered 19.5 miles. The final day was challenging, with a strong sun, dozens of gators, and a low current down the Wateree River. The last two miles were spent paddling up the Congaree River. 

Observations and takeaways 

A frequent observation during the survey was that the Wateree River is actively meandering (click here for more information about what causes streams to meander). Despite the upstream dams and mostly regulated flows, there are many areas with steep riverbanks and active cuts. The Wateree River has constantly eroding banks, depositing sand bars, and even creating new oxbow lakes.  These findings highlight the need for buffers, among other preservation and restoration work, to protect both water quality and infrastructure. Our team observed agricultural fields, logging roads, and homes precariously close to actively eroding cut banks. While some property owners have attempted to slow this process via armoring the river channel with concrete and rock, this is a temporary solution which is both expensive and not sustainable. 

They also encountered over 30 alligators during the three days. 

The Wateree River is a designated Blue Trail. Unfortunately, due to its dynamic nature and general remoteness, much of the online information is outdated or incomplete. We are working with partners to help make it an easier trip for others who are interested in exploring this beautiful part of the river.