Stories of Impact: Catawba Riverkeepers
by Catawba Riverkeepers
On Saturday, October 7, twelve hundred volunteers removed over 47,000 pounds of trash and debris from the Catawba River during the Catawba Riversweep. This one-day cleanup effort, occurring at 51 basin locations, highlights the profound impact a shared community commitment can make on the health of our river.
Organized by Catawba Riverkeeper, the annual Riversweep event removes accumulated litter and trash from waters and shores. If left to deteriorate, this litter harms wildlife habitats and threatens the safety and recreational potential of the waterways. The debris could also contaminate nineteen active drinking water intakes, which supply water to over two million people.
During the cleanup, volunteers donned their gloves, grabbed supplies, and worked together to remove visible trash, plastic bottles, and Styrofoam. Unexpected retrievals from the river included household appliances, mattresses, parts of a dock, a satellite dish, and even an electric scooter. More than two hundred tires were removed by volunteers, further highlighting the importance of the event.
The roots of Riversweep trace back to 2002 when a group of volunteers, along with the Lake Wylie Marine Commission, initiated an annual cleanup at Lake Wylie. Their dedicated efforts inspired additional volunteer groups and organizations across the basin to follow suit, hosting their own community cleanup days. Fast forward to 2020, and Catawba Riverkeeper led the first basin-wide, single-day cleanup.
Beyond the individual cleanup volunteers, additional partners were critical to the event’s success. Please visit the partner page to learn more about the organizations that help make the annual Riversweep possible. A special thank you and acknowledgment goes to Riversweep’s presenting sponsor ― Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group.
Each year, the Catawba Riversweep is an inspiring event to witness, bringing the community together in a united effort to support the health of the Catawba River. However, Riversweep is also a reminder that the work is far from complete, requiring additional initiatives that protect, preserve, and advocate for our river. Please remember to add October 5, 2024, to your calendar and join us for next year’s Catawba Riversweep
