Tires: What's the problem and what can you do about it?
March 6, 2024
Tires in our lakes, rivers, and streams

The Problem
What was once believed to be good for fish habitat, tires are now known to leach toxins and cancer causing chemicals, such as 6PPD-Quinone, zinc, and other heavy metals, into our waters and are absorbed by fish and humans. Last year, we removed 1,000 tires from local waterways and we know there's a lot more out there.
Two Things You Can Do About it TODAY!
- If you live in SC, tell your state senator to support S. 1020, which formally criminalizes the dumping of tires on land and in waters of SC when permission is not given. If found guilty, the offending party will be charged with a misdemeanor.
- Sign up to volunteer to remove tires from Lake Wateree while the water levels are down on Saturday, March 30th. Thanks to financial support from PalmettoPride, we'll have the equipment to get a lot of tires out in one day. But, we need volunteers to help with this special project. We'll meet at Molly Creek Landing at 10 AM.

This month marks the first anniversary of Hurricane Helene, a storm that brought unprecedented flooding, infrastructure damage, and public health challenges across the Southeast, including the Catawba-Wateree River Basin. In the days, weeks, and months following the disaster, the Catawba Riverkeeper mobilized to provide relief and to help communities recover. Today, we reflect on those efforts and recommit to the work of building resilience for the future. Supply Distribution In the immediate aftermath, Catawba Riverkeeper coordinated with local partners to deliver emergency supplies to affected communities. Teams transported bottled water, food staples, hygiene kits, and cleaning materials donated by the public to supply hubs and airports. These efforts ensured that essential resources reached households experiencing prolonged disruptions in basic services.