The February 12, 2026 virtual TATT Chat featured Kristy Ellenberg, Director, Collaborative Partnerships & Strategic Initiatives from the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services to share the Our Water Future: A Guide to our State Water Plan, and the resource update was presented by John Ko of HONE.
Ellenberg reported that the State Water Plan was updated in December of 2025 following an executive order from Governor McMaster. As the state continues to grow, water planning is key. Irrigation is required for agribusiness, water must be available to support business investments and jobs, and healthy rivers and wetlands support wildlife and recreation.
The plan was a collaborative effort between SCDES, River Basic Councils, WaterSC, and the public. Current water use is primarily for public supply, agricultural use, manufacturing, and other smaller uses such as mining and golf courses. About three quarters of our state’s population uses surface water for household use vs. groundwater.
Measuring and monitoring tools are used to gauge surface and groundwater trends. SWAM Model, Coastal Plain Groundwater Model, and Flow-Ecology Metrics are used for modeling and forecasting.
2007 was our third driest year on record. Climate, drought, and drought response mechanisms have been developed to prepare for the future.
Current state water laws include the Water Resources Planning & Coordination Act, South Carolina Surface Water Withdrawal, Permitting Use, and Reporting Act, Groundwater Use and Report Act, and the South Carolina Drought Response Act.
Projections for 2070 include moderate and high demand scenarios, regional growth hotspots, and changes in energy needs, data centers, and technology.
South Carolina does have the water it needs to support its people and economy now, but it is not limitless. “Smart management today protects our prosperity for tomorrow.”
Recommendations include ensuring on-going water planning, coordinating with neighbor states, establishing statewide water education, strengthening drought response systems, supporting beneficial water reuse, connecting water quality and water quantity, and reviewing water permitting.
SCDES priorities recognize the State Water Plan as a Living Plan. A more modern policy framework is being developed to include integrating management of groundwater and surface water, prioritizing beneficial water reuse, and response to droughts, floods, and demands. SCDES is establishing strong relationships with state neighbors.
Other priorities include a broad communications and outreach strategy, enhanced data and modeling, connecting water quality and water quantity, and leveraging public and private funding for implementation.
The Our Water Future Plan is available online at https://www.des.sc.gov/.
The resource update was presented by John Ko of HONE, a non-profit restaurant incubator in partnership with Mill Village Ministries in Greenville’s West Village. Hone is a creative space for chefs wanting to start a restaurant who don’t have the means or space. Five concepts are working out of the space, Daylight Burrito, Coffee Coffee, The Tasti Plate, Lucy Anne’s, and MuniMuni/Lolaceli, with rotating chefs for dinner.
More than a home for pop-ups, HONE provides opportunities to develop concepts, operating skills, and marketing skills. Established restauranteurs provide volunteer support, and the community has been supportive and excited to try new cuisines. Find the HONE schedule on Instagram @HONEGVL and online at https://www.honegvl.com/.