Governor Henry McMaster and Myra Reece, Director of the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES), have introduced an updated State Water Plan aimed at guiding the sustainable management of water resources in South Carolina. The announcement comes as the state faces significant economic and population growth.
“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.”
The plan was developed by SCDES in collaboration with the WaterSC Water Resources Working Group (WaterSC) and other stakeholders from various sectors including agriculture, public drinking water, energy, industry, tourism, forestry, conservation, and academia. Governor McMaster established WaterSC in September 2024 through Executive Order 2024-22 to bring together these groups for input on the state’s approach to managing its water resources.
Executive Order 2024-22 required SCDES to submit an updated State Water Plan by December 31, 2025. The agency met this goal ahead of schedule with the plan’s release on December 11 at the Statehouse. The full plan can be accessed at des.sc.gov/WaterSC.
The data-driven report includes assessments of sector-specific water demand, evaluations of water availability, drought response strategies, and considerations for future policy development. It aims to ensure that all users have access to sufficient water over a fifty-year period.
Key points from the plan are outlined 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 version of South Carolina’s State Water Plan; previous versions were completed in 1998 and revised in 2004 by what was then known as the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). SCDES assumed responsibility for state-level water planning after its establishment in 2024.
Eight River Basin Councils provided technical analysis and modeling support during this update process. Public engagement was also sought through six listening sessions held statewide over recent months.
“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.”
Further details about the plan are available at des.sc.gov/WaterSC.