COLUMBIA, S.C. — Today, Governor Henry McMaster issued an executive order that establishes Water Resources Working Group (WaterSC). The group will develop a plan to balance South Carolina’s environmental and economic interests to protect the state’s water resources amidst growth.
“… [Due to] 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 Governor McMaster.
According to the governor’s office, WaterSC will develop a Stakeholder Engagement Plan by Oct. 31, 2024. This plan will ensure that stakeholders have a say in how the state shapes it’s water policy.
The group will then provide a report to the General Assembly’s Surface Water Study Committee by Jan. 31, 2025, updating the committee on the state of surface water in South Carolina and recommending legislative changes to “ensure sustainable surface water withdrawal practices”.
The group will be managed by a new cabinet agency, the S.C. Department of Environmental Services (SCDES). As of July 1, 2024, SCDES is responsible for developing an updated water policy and state water plan on or before December 31, 2025.
WaterSC will be composed of ex officio participants from several state agencies:
- Commissioner of Agriculture
- Director of the Department of Natural Resources
- Director of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism
- Director of the Office of Resilience
- Secretary of Commerce
To ensure public representation, SCDES must gather input from 25 participants representing public water suppliers, conservation, forestry, academia, agriculture, tourism, historic preservation, and energy. The group must also seek technical guidance from experts in hydrology, environmental protection, etc.
"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, Interim Director of the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services.
According to recent a report by the U.S. Census Bureau, South Carolina leads the nation in population growth rate.