“Clean abundant water is good for the environment and good for our economy. This legislation will allow SC to better plan for the needs of future industry as well as preserve our state’s outdoor heritage for our children and grandchildren.”
– Rep. David Hiott of Pickens County

Remember us talking about ‘water wars‘ popping up across the country, and indeed the world?

Well, the South Carolina House just passed a bill on Wednesday that will provide permits for withdrawing large amounts of water from our rivers and lakes – if it passes the Senate, and then the Governor signs it.

The bill would establish a permitting system for water withdrawals over three million gallons per month and lay out requirements to protect fish and wildlife and downstream users.

We can all thank Conservation Voters of South Carolina, American Rivers, the Coastal Conservation League and other partners, who worked more than four years to negotiate the provisions in the bill and help ensure it’s passage!