“[Rain emoji] = [poop emoji]”

Congaree Riverkeeper used this calculus in recent social media posts to explain elevated bacteria levels in the Saluda River detected following heavy rains.

As its website describes, the nonprofit works “to protect and improve water quality, wildlife habitat, and recreation on the Broad, Lower Saluda, and Congaree River.”

“We often see elevated bacteria levels after rain events due to stormwater runoff,” the organization posted to Facebook July 8, announcing that a no-swimming advisory posted July 7 for the stretch of the Saluda from the Saluda Shoals Lower Landing to the USGS Gage (Stacey’s Ledge) had been lifted.

The Midlands River Coalition posts weekly water test results for 10 different spots along the Saluda, Broad and Congaree Rivers where they move through Columbia, West Columbia and Cayce. Alerts are issued when elevated bacterial levels pose a threat to people hoping to swim or recreate in the rivers.

On July 6, the two adjoining spots on the Saluda listed in the next day’s advisory posted elevated levels. This summer, elevated levels were also reported at multiple spots on the Saluda River on June 15 and at Rosewood Drive Landing (across the Congaree from Cayce) on June 29.

According to the state Department of Health and Environmental Control, the coalition, formed in 2016, “brings together outfitters, recreation providers, environmental organizations, state and local government, academia, industry, property owners, and other users of the rivers.”

The coalition conducts weekly tests on Wednesday, posted online Thursday, with additional follow-up tests for areas where elevated bacteria levels are detected. All results are posted at howsmyscriver.org/midlands. The testing is done from May through September.

“Enterococcus bacteria are tested in the samples to indicate presence of bacteria in the water,” the website explains. “Elevated levels of these bacteria in the water can indicate possible contamination by fecal waste. Enterococcus is a type of bacteria that lives in the intestinal tracts of warm-blooded animals, including humans, pets and wildlife.”

Congaree Riverkeeper advises those looking to have fun on the rivers — swimming, wading, tubing, paddling, etc. — to use good judgment in addition to the weekly testing to determine when it’s a good time to get out on the water.

“There is additional rain in the forecast for this weekend,” the organization posted July 8. “Always use your best judgement, especially at risk groups like children and people with compromised immune systems.”