The Midlands Rivers Coalition began its water quality monitoring last week.

The coalition samples 11 locations on the Lower Saluda, Broad, and Congaree Rivers.

Rivers can be negatively impacted periodically by runoff from heavy rains, sewer overflows and other events. The program aims to enhance public awareness of these issues.

The testing will be conducted weekly and published from May through September. Weekly data will be posted each Thursday on www.HowsMySCRiver.org .

Created in 2016, the Midlands Rivers Coalition is made up of river-related businesses, environmental organizations, academia, local and state government, recreation providers, property owners, industry and other users of the rivers.

During the 2018 monitoring period, the coalition collected over 300 water quality samples.