CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCIV) — The effects of Tropical Storm Debby are still being felt in the waterways of the Lowcountry on Thursday.

News 4 spoke with representatives from Charleston Waterkeeper and Charleston Water System about issues with recreational and drinking water following the heavy rains.

“After storm events like Debby, we usually have poor water quality,” said Andrew Wunderly of Charleston Waterkeeper

This means it may not be the best time to enjoy the rivers, streams and lakes of the Lowcountry.

READ MORE | “Despite ongoing cleanup, Old Santee Canal Park welcomes visitors after Debby.”

After some recent testing, Wunderly, who monitors water quality at recreational facilities, said, “Our typical water color ranges are between 11 and 16, which is what we see under normal circumstances. After Tropical Storm Debby and all the rain and flooding, our color ranges were between 19 and 21.”

Water quality testing conducted this week by the Charleston Waterkeeper found negative bacteria levels at all 12 locations tested.

Wunderly says, “We encourage people to make an informed decision. Right? Find out the best data available on the areas you want to go in for recreation. And then if you decide to go in, make sure you wash up afterward. And do your best to keep the water out of your ears, nose and mouth.”

People who get their drinking water from the Charleston Water System may have noticed a change in the color of their tap water.

But those responsible at CWS say that the drink is still safe to drink.

Matthew Kenwright, communications manager for Charleston Water System, says, “People at home may have noticed their water was a little discolored on Tuesday of this week. The good news is that it has always been safe to drink. There is no need to worry.”

READ MORE | “Charleston water may be discolored after Tropical Storm Debby, but still safe.”

According to Kenwright, the problem is that the heavy rains from Tropical Storm Debby are causing decaying materials such as sticks, mud and similar substances to mix with the raw water.

“Our system was ramped up to treat everything we received,” Kenwright says. “And so we were able to completely treat it and render it harmless, but we couldn’t completely remove the color that was created.”

If your water continues to be discolored, it should improve by the weekend.

Another problem related to Tropical Storm Debby that the Charleston Water System must deal with is the overflow of partially treated wastewater into Dill Creek.

They say investigations into the creek will begin next week, but caution that people should not go into the water for now.