Tracking Fecal Pollution Sources in the Upper Reaches of the Horse Creek Watershed in Aiken County, SC

The Horse Creek watershed in Aiken County, SC, is known for its history of high coliform pollution. Previous studies have identified one particular tributary, Sand River, as being a major contributor to the upper portions of the watershed, but the source(s) remain unknown. Sand River drains Hitchcock Woods, an urban forest that is heavily used by equestrians; is transected by both old and new sewer lines; and is surrounded by older homes, some of which depend upon aging septic systems. In addition, Sand River in Hitchcock Woods receives an enormous volume of stormflow from the downtown area during rain events. This study focused on fecal pollution in two of Sand River’s smaller tributaries, Calico Creek and Cuthbert Branch.