Swimming advisory issued for Lower Saluda River because of bacteria levels

A swimming advisory has been issued for the Lower Saluda River after a water quality sample came back above the standard of swimming, according to the Congaree Riverkeeper.

The swimming advisory was issued Thursday for the section between the Interstate 20 bridge and the pedestrian bridge at the Riverbanks Zoo, according to the riverkeeper.

The bacteria levels were higher than normal near the U.S. Geological Survey South Carolina Water Science Center above the Riverbanks Zoo. The water quality sample was collected on Wednesday by the Lower Saluda Coalition.

A second sample was collected Thursday. The results will be reported Friday afternoon.