The South Carolina Water Resources Planning and Coordination Act requires the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) to develop a comprehensive water resources policy for the state of South Carolina. Prior to the creation of SCDES in 2024, the water planning activities for the state were the responsibility of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR). SCDNR developed the first state water plan — the South Carolina Water Plan— in 1998. In 2004, the plan was updated following what is recognized as one of the worst multi-year droughts on record, which ended in 2002.
SCDES has drafted a third edition of the South Carolina State Water Plan after many years of stakeholder collaboration with River Basin Councils and recently with the WaterSC Working Group.
SCDES is pleased to share this draft and welcomes comments, questions, and feedback. Both the full plan and individual chapters can be downloaded by clicking the links provided on this webpage. Additionally, SCDES is holding an open house and listening session 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. More information on this Listening Session can be found on WaterSC Meetings webpage.
SCDES welcomes comments on the draft plan through Dec. 7, 2025. Comments can be made by emailing WaterSC@des.sc.gov or submitting an online form.















