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.

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.

During the holiday season, many of us attend holiday parties with friends and family. Part of this is enjoying tasty dishes that we only indulge in once a year. It's all too easy to waste food when our eating routines are all over the place. While it's not the first waist-related issue that comes to mind, the waste problem can be significant!

SCDES - in partnership with the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) - developed the "Take Charge! Be Battery Smart" outreach campaign to raise awareness of both the safety concerns and the recycling opportunities that are available and growing in number.

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.

Learn how to monitor the health and quality of South Carolina's waterways at free workshops. Choose to sample freshwater streams, tidal saltwaters, lakes, or macroinvertebrates. Work with local partners to protect and restore our waterways.