WaterSC, led by the S.C. Department of Environmental Services (SCDES), works across state agencies and with key stakeholders to develop a state water plan that balances South Carolina's economic and environmental interests to ensure the long-term protection of the state’s water resources as demand increases from record-breaking economic development and population growth.

Learn more about open burning. Is it legal? What can I burn? How does it effect the environment? How do I report illegal open burning?

Where and what can you recycle in your community? For these answers and more, select your county of residence below. For the most updated information, visit the county's webpage and follow the county's social media accounts. Download the free Recycle Here SC mobile app to have the information below directly at your fingertips. Click here to learn more and download the app.

The 2023 Environmental Surveillance & Oversight Program Data Report has been released. SCDES monitors the Department of Energy’s Savannah River Site (SRS) for potential contaminants and produces a report of all its annual findings.

Shellfish monitoring runs Oct. 1 - May 15. Our Shellfish Monitoring Program works to ensure that shellfish and the areas from which they are harvested meet the health and environmental quality standards provided by federal guidelines and state regulations.

SCDES is dedicated to helping people live healthy lives in healthy communities. With more than 3,800 employees in 100 offices across the state, SCDES has a diverse team of employees who are leaders in their fields and share a passion for making a difference.