The Drinking Water Enforcement Section functions to carry out enforcement actions involving all aspects of public water system compliance, public swimming pool/spa compliance, and well drilling activities compliance. The functions of this section, combined with the efforts of the Drinking Water Compliance Monitoring Section and other sections of this Bureau, the Environmental Affairs Regional Offices, and other areas within DHEC, work together to ensure safe drinking water for the continued health and welfare of the citizens of South Carolina.

Safe public drinking water in South Carolina is accomplished through a "multiple barrier" approach. Tools utilized in this approach include source water protection, certified water treatment plant operators, routine sanitary surveys, monitoring, treatment design and plan review. A cooperative partnership of the SC DHEC Drinking Water Program staff, the US EPA and drinking water professionals throughout the State helps to ensure safe, high quality drinking water in South Carolina.

24-HOUR EMERGENCY CONTACT: (888) 481-0125

• Application Forms
• Information on Expedited Review Program for Water Distribution Systems (lines, storage tanks, pump stations) and Wastewater Collection Systems (lines, pump stations)
• Guidance Documents
  • Water System Viability Guidance (PDF - 179K)
  • Wellhead Protection Area

The Drinking Water and Recreational Waters Compliance Section performs sanitary surveys and provides technical assistance to drinking water facilities throughout the State. The Section's goal is to help systems remain in compliance with the State Primary Drinking Water Regulations. This is accomplished by providing regulation information, educating systems on new and upcoming regulations, and offering on-site technical assistance.

In 1996 the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) was amended to include a new program called "Capacity Development". Capacity Development is meant to ensure a safe water supply for customers served by public water systems. The SDWA has provisions that require states to develop and implement strategies to make sure that both existing water systems and new water systems get and keep technical, managerial, and financial capacity. Additionally, the SDWA requires that a report on the effectiveness of a State's Capacity Development Strategy be submitted to the Governor every three years.

The Cross Connection Control/Backflow Prevention program is a state-mandated program designed to protect the public's drinking water from contamination by identifying and eliminating cross connections.

Looking to Get Your Backflow Tested/Inspected? Listing of Certified Backflow Testers

The General Inspector provides the service of testing backflow prevention assemblies to the general public.