Oyster Shell Recycling Program

Taste and odor issue

Update – December 30:
Spartanburg Water has received ongoing questions and concerns regarding recent changes in the taste and odor of your drinking water. We understand how noticeable and unpleasant this can be, and we want you to know that our team is taking this issue very seriously.
Our operators and water quality professionals are working around the clock, using our Advanced Oxidation System and additional treatment methods to address elevated levels of MIB, a naturally occurring compound associated with algae, in our drinking water reservoirs. At this time, MIB levels in the reservoirs are higher than we have seen in recent years.
While we continue to investigate the cause of these elevated levels, we want to clearly reassure our customers: your drinking water remains safe and meets all regulatory standards.
Because treated water must move through hundreds of miles of pipes before reaching customers, we cannot provide a firm timeline for when the musty taste and odor will fully dissipate. However, we anticipate improvement as water continues to move through the distribution system.
Spartanburg Water is committed to providing safe, reliable, and high-quality drinking water. We appreciate your patience and understanding, and we thank you for trusting our team as we work diligently to address this issue.

Click here to go to a taste and odor FAQ.

South Carolina Oyster Recycling and Enhancement (S.C.O.R.E.) Program

Spartanburg Water partners with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) for their South Carolina Oyster Recycling and Enhancement (SCORE) program.

The SCORE program works to collect and recycle oyster shells to improve water quality and habitats along the South Carolina shores. Replacing Oyster shells that have been previously harvested for the seafood industry accomplishes many goals to ensure preservation of these resources for future generations.

Why Should You Recycle Oyster Shells?

Oysters improve water quality! They do this by filtering nitrogen and phosphorous, and consuming phytoplankton and other types of algae, reducing the likelihood of algae blooms.
A single oyster can filter 50 gallons of water every day.
Oyster larvae can settle in old oyster shells in oyster reefs, allowing them to utilize nutrients from the old shells to promote their own growth.
These oyster reefs help prevent erosion by attaching to coastlines.
Oyster reefs provide habitats for many crustaceans, macrofauna and small fish.

How Can You Help?

The Spartanburg Water oyster shell community collection area is located at the A. Manning Lynch Wastewater Treatment Facility, located at 1450 Southport Rd. in Spartanburg. A special collection hopper is located off the left side of the entrance to the facility, in front of the gate.

Restaurants, community members and organizations who host oyster roasts are encouraged to deposit their shells in the collection area.

Oyster shell receptacles are available for any interested participant, and volunteers are needed to assist in shell collection and drop off at the Lynch facility.

Who Do I Contact for More Information?

For more information or to participate in the program as a volunteer or restaurant partner, please contact Meagan Roy, Spartanburg Water Watershed Management Coordinator, at (864) 592-2240 or mroy@spartanburgwater.org.

Taste and odor issue