For more than 35 years, the Lake Hartwell Association (LHA) has worked to preserve the beauty and health of Lake Hartwell through community action and membership support. This fall, the tradition continues with the Fall 2025 Splash Away the Trash Clean-Up Event on Saturday, September 27, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
In partnership with Lake Hartwell Partners for Clean Water and Palmetto Pride, the weekend event brings together volunteers, boaters, and families to protect the lake for generations to come.
How You Can Get Involved
Volunteers can join one of the predetermined sites or pick up supplies at a distribution location to host their own clean-up anywhere around the lake. Boaters, canoeists, and kayakers are especially encouraged to collect trash from hard-to-reach islands. Debris will be gathered at designated USACE-operated ramps for disposal.
A highlight of the weekend is the scuba diving clean-up at Broyles Landing, introduced in 2023 and quickly gaining momentum. What began with just seven divers has now grown to 20, all dedicated to removing debris from the northwest side of Apple Island, also known as SC Party Island Lagoon.
The Impact So Far
Since the program’s launch in Fall 2022, 705 volunteers have given over 2,100 hours of service, valued at more than $63,000. Their work has led to the removal of 857 bags of trash weighing 34,273 pounds, along with 42 tires and 64 dock floats. The numbers continue to grow each year.
Ways to Participate
Even if you cannot attend on September 27, supply packets are available for independent clean-ups throughout the weekend. LHA also supports groups or individuals who want to host their own efforts, making this an accessible way to get involved. Volunteer hours count toward school and community service requirements as well.
Why It Matters
Events like Splash Away the Trash are a reminder that it takes collective effort to preserve Lake Hartwell’s beauty and safety. Every bag of trash collected, every tire removed, and every volunteer hour spent is a step toward ensuring the lake remains a resource for families, local businesses, and future generations.
Sign up today. Together, we can make a lasting difference for the sake of the lake.