A historic step forward: Groundbreaking held for new Conestee Dam project
April 1, 2025
SCDES Interim Director Myra Reece joined state and local officials, stakeholders, and community members to celebrate the groundbreaking for the Conestee Dam replacement project.
Originally built in the 1800s, the dam has reached the end of its original intended service life. The replacement of it is a monumental step toward reducing potential risks to both people and the environment.
Visit the Lake Conestee Dam Restoration Project website for the latest updates on the project.
“The formation of WaterSC will unite South Carolina’s top minds and key stakeholders to craft a plan that balances our economic and environmental interests, which will ensure that our water resources are plentiful and that our economy remains strong for generations to come,” Gov. Henry McMaster.
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.
