Public Asked to Provide Input on Water Resource Planning at WaterSC Listening Session
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Residents are invited to attend an upcoming WaterSC listening session to provide input about protecting and managing the state's natural water resources. Public engagement is critical to WaterSC, which is charged with developing a water resources policy and 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.
On Sept. 24, 2024, Governor Henry McMaster issued Executive Order 2024-22, establishing the WaterSC Water Resources Working Group, with the S.C. Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) serving as the lead agency of the initiative.
The listening session will take place on Tuesday, Jan. 7, at the Phillips Market Center, located at 117 Ballard Court in West Columbia. An open house will begin at 4 p.m. during which attendees can learn more about water planning in the state, and a public comment portion will begin at 6 p.m.
"Our hope is for residents to take the opportunity to attend this listening session and engage with our water planning experts to learn more about the goals of WaterSC and how multiple sectors are coming together to ensure our state's water resources are protected and properly managed for generations to come," said Myra Reece, SCDES Interim Director. "Water is a shared resource that's invaluable in many different ways, which is why we want South Carolinians to be an active partner in water planning in our state."
Additional listening sessions are planned in the spring at locations around the state. Recordings of previous meetings of the WaterSC Water Resources Working Group and a schedule of upcoming meetings are available at des.sc.gov/WaterSC.
Residents can submit questions or comments at any time to the WaterSC Resources Working Group by emailing WaterSC@des.sc.gov or completing our online form.
