Residents Invited to Provide Input on Draft South Carolina Water Plan that Guides Long-Term Protection of State Water Resources 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 
Nov. 17, 2025 

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The S.C. Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) encourages the public to review and provide input on the draft 2025 South Carolina Water Plan — a comprehensive document that defines best practices for managing South Carolina’s water resources for generations to come. Water is a shared resource in high demand for many essential uses, from drinking water and recreation to agriculture and industry. The updated water plan has been a collaborative effort of many, including the WaterSC Water Resources Working Group (WaterSC), the River Basin Councils (RBCs) and other stakeholders. 

Governor Henry McMaster established WaterSC on Sept. 24, 2024, through Executive Order 2024-22. WaterSC was tasked with engaging key stakeholders to provide recommendations for water resources management that balances South Carolina's economic and environmental interests and ensures the long-term protection of the state’s water resources. South Carolina’s water plan had last been updated in 2004. 

“While our state’s groundwater and surface water resources are abundant, it’s a critical time to update the water plan and ensure South Carolina is prepared for the responsible management and protection of our water resources – especially as the state experiences unprecedented economic growth and prosperity,” said Myra Reece, SCDES Director and Chair of WaterSC. “The foresight of Governor McMaster to convene WaterSC demonstrates our state leadership’s commitment to sustainable use today and for future generations, and we welcome the public’s input and feedback.” 

SCDES is pleased to today share the draft plan, which is available at des.sc.gov/WaterSC. The public is encouraged to submit comments by emailing WaterSC@des.sc.gov or submitting an online form. The public comment period concludes Dec. 7, 2025. 

Additionally, an open house and listening session will be held Thursday, Nov. 20, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Cathy Novinger Girl Scout Leadership Center, 1107 Williams Street, Columbia, during which the public can provide comments.  

The state water plan will be considered a living document as additional water-use planning efforts continue. The public will have future opportunities to be engaged and provide input on this important statewide planning document.   

WaterSC — which includes representatives from agriculture, tourism, drinking water, recreation, academia, forestry, preservation and more — has convened regularly since October 2024, held four listening sessions around the state, and developed a stakeholder engagement plan to help educate and inform South Carolinians about the development of this important plan. 

Learn more about WaterSC and its members and review the state plan at des.sc.gov/WaterSC. 

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