Savannah Wastewater Spill Raises Concerns Over Oxygen Levels in Savannah River

In late September 2025, a maintenance issue at Savannah's Wilshire Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) resulted in the discharge of approximately 8.7 million gallons of treated wastewater into the Savannah River Harbor. The discharge had a slightly elevated Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) of 1.5%, indicating an increase in organic matter that could potentially deplete dissolved oxygen (DO) levels in the river.

The Savannah River, which stretches over 300 miles and feeds 75,000 gallons of freshwater into the Atlantic Ocean every second, is a vital waterway. However, the harbor has long struggled with BOD surplus, a persistent issue that has been "the center of discussion" for decades, according to Savannah Riverkeeper Executive Director Tonya Bonitatibus.

Efforts have been made to maintain DO levels, including an agreement between industries, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD), and the South Carolina Department of Public Health and Environmental Control to set BOD and temperature limits. The Army Corps of Engineers also operates 12 speece cones in the lower Savannah River to inject oxygen into the system, though their reliability has been a concern.

The closure of International Paper's Savannah mill, the second-largest BOD discharger into the river, may help reduce pollution levels. However, the harbor is also facing other changes, such as further deepening plans, which could increase saltwater intrusion and further challenge DO levels.

As Bonitatibus noted, "We need to not go backwards" in the efforts to maintain the health of the Savannah River, which is crucial for the region's industries, wildlife, and overall ecosystem.