WaterSC Water Resources Working Group
On Sept. 24, 2024, Governor Henry McMaster issued Executive Order 2024-22, establishing the WaterSC Water Resources Working Group (WaterSC). WaterSC 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.
WaterSC, led by the S.C. Department of Environmental Services (SCDES), adopted a Stakeholder Engagement Plan on Oct. 31, 2024, to ensure that relevant stakeholders have a voice in shaping the state’s water policy.
On Jan. 31, 2025, WaterSC Chair Myra Reece provided a status update of WaterSC's work and requested guidance on submitting the remaining reports ordered in Executive Order No. 2024-22. Gov. Henry McMaster provided the following supplemental guidance and clarification to WaterSC and SCDES:
- The Chair of WaterSC, or her designee, shall provide quarterly updates or reports to the SWSC on the activities and progress of WaterSC during the period preceding the SWSC meeting.
- DES shall consider the perspectives and recommendations of WaterSC and its participants in developing the updated State Water Plan, which shall include or be accompanied by a summary of the activities of WaterSC and identify any relevant issues, recommendations, or other related matters on which the participants of WaterSC reached a consensus.
