Residents of South Carolina Stand Against Water Transfer from Catawba River
South Carolina is buzzing with concern these days as a coalition of local governments voices strong opposition to a proposed plan by Charlotte Water. With a significant population of 1.5 million getting involved, it seems that the stakes are high in this water management debate.
The Proposal
Charlotte Water provides drinking water and wastewater services to over 1 million customers in Mecklenburg County. Earlier this year, they kicked off a process to increase their water draw from the Catawba River system, aiming to nearly double their withdrawal from the current limit of 33 million gallons per day. The plan sounds straightforward enough on the surface, but it’s raising serious eyebrows in South Carolina. Many local communities fear that this kind of water transfer could stunt their own economic growth.
Local Concerns
Three significant governmental agencies, representing cities and towns across York, Lancaster, and Chester counties, sent an emphatic opposition letter to Charlotte Water. They argued that water availability is crucial for fostering economic development, population growth, agriculture, and enhancing the overall quality of life. “The regions adjacent to and downstream from Charlotte should not be forced to give up potential growth opportunities to subsidize Charlotte’s growth with collective water resources,” the letter stated.
Many folks in South Carolina are not just concerned about a potential water shortage; they’re keenly aware of how vital this resource is to their industries and communities. Fast-growing regions like Fort Mill, Lake Wylie, Tega Cay, and Rock Hill are all looking ahead, realizing that they too will need more water in the years to come.
A Troubling History
The apprehension from South Carolina is quite justified. Two decades ago, a similar situation erupted into what many called the “Water War.” That dispute escalated to the point where South Carolina had to sue North Carolina, ultimately leading to the 2010 resolution aimed at limiting water withdrawal during drought periods. These lessons from the past are not lost on current leaders who understand the potential repercussions of Charlotte Water’s expansion plans.
Coalition of Government Bodies Responds
The Catawba Regional Council of Government, which represents various city and county governments in South Carolina, has taken a stand. Their board, meeting recently in Rock Hill, formally supported the opposition letter to Charlotte Water. They emphasized that a large portion of the population in their regions heavily relies on water from the Catawba-Wateree basin, which has faced challenges due to recent droughts.
“Interbasin transfers of the magnitude proposed by Charlotte Water will effectively subsidize growth in the benefitting area while depleting the limited and collective water resources of the entire Catawba-Wateree Basin,” they warned.
The Call for Caution
In their letter, the councils urged Charlotte Water to explore alternative solutions and to reconsider any plans until an ongoing basin-wide water supply master plan is complete. They also highlighted the necessity of implementing conservation measures before considering any water transfer. It’s a sentiment echoed by local officials who attended a public meeting held by Charlotte Water in Rock Hill back in late July.
Voices of Concern
At that meeting, U.S. Representative Ralph Norman pointed out that the water issues are “a huge deal for North Carolina but for South Carolina as well.” Meanwhile, Fort Mill Mayor Guynn Savage added a layer of urgency, referencing a harsh drought that had hit the area for nearly three years. “Water is key,” she emphasized, expressing her reluctance to endorse additional withdrawals from a source vital to her constituents.
The Road Ahead
As the public weighs in on the importance of water as a lifeblood for both economic and communal growth, state officials note that South Carolina will be actively involved in this deliberation process. Rob Devlin from the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services reassured residents that “science will run the process” to ensure that any water transfers will not negatively impact their state.
Water, something many of us may take for granted, is shaping up to be a contentious topic across state lines. With both sides gearing up for a long discussion ahead, it’s clear that this issue remains pivotal for the future of communities not just in Charlotte, but also across South Carolina.
