Palmetto State News

Governor Henry McMaster has issued Executive Order 2024-22 to establish the WaterSC Water Resources Working Group (WaterSC). This initiative aims to create a state water plan that balances South Carolina's economic and environmental interests, addressing increased demand from significant economic development and population growth.

“South Carolina has been richly blessed with abundant water resources, but with increased demand driven by historic economic development and a booming population, we must take action now to ensure these resources are managed in the best interests of all South Carolinians,” said Gov. Henry McMaster. “The formation of WaterSC will unite South Carolina’s top minds and key stakeholders to craft a plan that balances our economic and environmental interests, which will ensure that our water resources are plentiful and that our economy remains strong for generations to come."

WaterSC is tasked with creating a Stakeholder Engagement Plan by October 31, 2024, to include relevant voices in shaping state water policy. By January 31, 2025, the group will report to the General Assembly’s Surface Water Study Committee on the current state of surface water in South Carolina and recommend changes for sustainable surface water withdrawal practices.

The S.C. Department of Environmental Services (SCDES), a new gubernatorial cabinet agency as of July 1, 2024, will lead this collaborative effort. The agency assumed many responsibilities regarding water policy from the Department of Natural Resources.

The governor’s order directs WaterSC to assist SCDES in developing a comprehensive water resources policy so that an updated State Water Plan can be issued by December 31, 2025.

Myra Reece, Interim Director of SCDES, will lead WaterSC. The working group will include ex officio participants from several state agencies:

- Director of the Office of Resilience or designee

- Commissioner of Agriculture or designee

- Director of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism or designee

- Director of the Department of Natural Resources or designee

- Secretary of Commerce or designee

Additionally, DES will select up to 25 participants from sectors such as academia, public water suppliers, conservation, agriculture, forestry, energy, tourism, and historic preservation. Experts in engineering, hydrology, environmental protection or related fields will provide technical guidance.

"Sustainable management and use of our state’s water resources is beyond the scope of any one agency or organization; rather it is a shared role and responsibility among leaders, partners and experts across our state," said Myra Reece. "As the state’s new environmental agency, we at the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services are honored and excited to lead this collaborative effort to preserve, sustain and manage our state's water resources for present and future use."

South Carolina has experienced record-breaking economic development in recent years. Since Gov. McMaster took office in 2017, over $40 billion in new investment has been announced along with more than 90,800 new jobs. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that South Carolina leads the nation in population growth rate.