Search for Volunteers to Shape Santee River Basin Water Use Plan
In the vibrant city of Columbia, South Carolina, excitement is brewing as the state embarks on an important mission to manage its precious water resources more effectively. The search is on for 25 dedicated volunteers who are eager to make a difference and help shape the Santee River Basin water use plan. The Santee River Basin is a crucial area that includes significant waterways like the Congaree River in Calhoun County, Lake Marion in Orangeburg and Clarendon counties, and Lake Moultrie along with the Santee and Cooper rivers in Berkeley and Charleston counties.
Join the Santee River Basin Council
The Santee River Basin Council is inviting people from all walks of life to join them in this endeavor, which may involve up to 30 meetings over the next two to three years. While having some background knowledge about water issues could be helpful, it’s not a deal-breaker. Experts will be on hand, ready to share their wealth of knowledge through technical presentations and by providing decades of crucial data. This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone passionate about making a tangible impact in their community.
The Governor’s Initiative
In a bid to kickstart the plans for safeguarding South Carolina’s rivers and groundwater, Governor Henry McMaster took significant steps recently by forming a commission aimed at assessing how to manage water supplies. These supplies often become points of contention among various stakeholders, including businesses, farmers, and environmentalists. Jason Thompson, a member of the Edisto River Basin Council, remarked, “These statistics can really guide us to a future that is sustainable and respectful of the growth that we need in this state to supply food and the manufactured goods that we need.”
Strategies for the Future
Across the state, there are eight Regional Basin Councils (RBCs) taking part in this crucial process. They are tasked with recommending policies, regulations, technical solutions, and management strategies to ensure that the region’s surface and groundwater resources are sustainable for the next 50 years, even during periods of drought. While these river basin reports have no legal enforcement, they serve as vital resources in conversations about future legislation and frameworks. The Santee RBC is the last to be formed, following the completion of previous reports from the Broad and Catawba councils, which are positioned upstream from the Santee basin.
Public Meetings Scheduled
With the Santee River Basin Council now coming together, state officials have planned a couple of public meetings to present an overview of the program. The first meeting is set for Monday, Oct. 7, in West Columbia at the State Farmers Market, while the second meeting will take place on Thursday, Oct. 10, in North Charleston at Trident Technical College. Both gatherings will begin at 6 p.m. and are expected to last about two hours, depending on audience questions. Attendees are encouraged to choose the meeting that best fits their schedule as both will cover similar content.
Get Involved
For those interested in participating, whether as a volunteer or simply as an attendee at the informational sessions, it’s a great chance to learn more about the critical issues surrounding water management in the state. To find out more about water planning initiatives across South Carolina, additional information is available online.
In summary, the effort to manage South Carolina’s water resources underlines the importance of community engagement and expert guidance. This initiative is not just about policy—it’s about fostering a sustainable future for the rivers that enrich our lives. We encourage anyone with a passion for the environment, community, or public service to consider getting involved. Together, we can make a difference!
