Governor Henry McMaster and Myra Reece, Director of the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES), have introduced an updated State Water Plan designed to address the growing demands on South Carolina’s water resources. The plan was developed by SCDES in collaboration with the WaterSC Water Resources Working Group and other contributors from across the state.
“South Carolina’s booming population and record-breaking economic development have brought new demands on our water system, and it is our responsibility to ensure our water resources remain secure,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “This updated State Water Plan provides a clear, long-term strategy for maintaining reliable water supplies over the next 50 years. I am confident in the work SCDES and WaterSC have done to ensure South Carolina is prepared to meet the demands of today and tomorrow.”
WaterSC was created by Governor McMaster in September 2024 through Executive Order 2024-22. This group brings together stakeholders from various sectors including agriculture, public drinking water, energy, industry, tourism, forestry, conservation, and academia to provide input for state water planning.
The executive order required SCDES to submit an updated State Water Plan by December 31, 2025. The agency met this deadline ahead of schedule with a formal announcement at the Statehouse on December 11. The full plan can be accessed at des.sc.gov/WaterSC.
The new plan is based on data gathered from participants in WaterSC as well as other key stakeholders. It addresses topics such as sector-based water demand forecasts, assessments of available water supplies, drought preparedness strategies, and policy considerations aimed at ensuring reliable access to water for all users over the next five decades.
Key points from the document are summarized in “Our Water Future: The Leadership Guide to South Carolina’s Water Plan.”
“The updated State Water Plan isn’t just a report — it’s a roadmap that prepares us for growth, protects us in times of drought, and safeguards the water resources that sustain our way of life,” said Myra Reece. “While South Carolina’s water resources are abundant, they are not limitless. If we continue to plan wisely and collaboratively, we will have the water we need to support our residents and economy for generations to come.”
This marks the third edition of South Carolina’s State Water Plan; previous versions were released in 1998 and revised in 2004 under the direction of what was then known as the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). SCDES took over these responsibilities after its establishment in 2024.
Eight River Basin Councils provided technical analysis and modeling data for this update. Public engagement included six listening sessions held statewide over recent months as well as a comment period during which feedback on draft materials was reviewed by staff developing the plan.
“The State Water Plan is a living document that will evolve to reflect the latest data and information, and the public will have continued opportunities to engage in plan updates and provide future comments,” said Director Reece. “While we achieved this important milestone for sustainable water use and protection, there is still work to be done as more and more people and businesses call South Carolina home. Our work to protect South Carolina’s water resources will continue.”
More details about the initiative are available at des.sc.gov/WaterSC.
