An interview with Mike Massey, Director of the Lake Hartwell Association
How is water currently managed in our state?
South Carolina’s approach to water management has evolved haphazardly, thanks to at times overlapping federal and state mandates as well as complex local and regional water-use practices. Moreover, our water planning is department oriented, and therefore compartmentalized by an array of factors, including quantity, quality, type of use and area of the state. As a result, it’s not simply that we lack a comprehensive water plan – what we have is incomprehensible.
Why do we need a comprehensive water plan now?
Our state’s population and economy are growing rapidly, and demands on our water resources are increasing. There is only so much water. As population and business needs increase, we must become more efficient about managing what we have. We need a system that reviews our water needs at every level. Firm water policies supported by hard science that draws on current data is paramount. South Carolina needs to be prepared to manage all aspects of its water resources for the future benefit of our state’s businesses and residents.
What key principles should drive any comprehensive plan?
The surface and ground waters of South Carolina are a public resource and must be managed in a sustainable manner to protect natural systems and meet human and economic needs. Effective water management requires state-supported guidance of regional water planning that considers watersheds, river basins, aquifers and that implements best practices, including an adaptive management process. Regulation of inter-basin transfers must reflect scientific knowledge, respect natural systems and protect the basins of origin and receipt.
If a comprehensive plan is not adopted, what will happen to our waters?
South Carolina will pay a steep price if we are not proactive in managing our precious water. We are already seeing litigation between South Carolina and neighboring states over water, and without a comprehensive plan we are at a disadvantage in the courts. A comprehensive water plan not only ensure ample water for the future of South Carolina, but provides an advantageous position when negotiating with neighboring states over regional water use issues.
Any final thoughts?
As with transportation and growth, managing our water resources requires both coordination and consensus. We need to establish how much water we have, how much we are using and how best to ensure its quantity and quality for future use.
The General Assembly is currently considering legislation to strengthen the regulation of inter-basin transfers of water to reflect scientific knowledge, respect natural systems and protect both the basins of origin and receipt.
For more information:
Mike Massey, Lake Hartwell Association, 864-222-1925
Heather Spires, Coastal Conservation League, 803-771-7102