The following list is a comprehensive compilation of the Department of Environmental Service’s (SCDES) water, dams, and reservoirs laws and regulations. Copies of these laws and regulations are provided by SCDES for the convenience of the public. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of this list. However, this list is not the official text. SCDES reserves the right to withdraw or correct this list if deviations from the official text as published in the South Carolina State Register are found.
The Dams and Reservoirs Safety Program was established in 1977 with the passage of the S.C. Dams and Reservoirs Safety Act. The failure of the dam upstream of the Toccoa Falls Bible College in Georgia right after passage of the South Carolina Act gave a great deal of impetus to get the program started. This dam failed unexpectedly and caused the loss of many lives and a great deal of property damage.
During an emergency, call the Dam Safety Program 24/7: 803-898-1939
