Committee flags data and staffing gaps; DES says models date to 2019 and recommends ongoing updates

Legislators on the Joint House and Senate Surface Water Study Committee called attention to measurement gaps and staffing questions that they said limit the state's ability to adjust water policy, and DES staff acknowledged the agency's modeling dates to 2019 and recommended ongoing updates.

A committee member said the absence of consistent measurement undermines policymakers' ability to shift water policy in response to growth and changing demands. Representative Kirby asked whether DES had adequate staffing to sustain ongoing review and technical work in the state's planning process. "Is staffing adequate to really continue the process?" Kirby asked during the meeting.

DES replied that when responsibilities moved to the agency, funding moved with them and that the agency intends to be transparent about where funding is invested. DES staff said the model that underpins the report started in 2019 and noted that South Carolina today looks different than it did then, arguing that regular updates and an annual check-in could help the legislature and stakeholders identify new challenges.

Committee members repeatedly emphasized that the study should not be a one-time effort and urged continued monitoring to avoid shortfalls or the need for corrective action soon after a plan update. The committee directed DES to clarify basin-council reporting periodicity and to provide updates as new issues are identified.

The committee did not adopt specific new funding levels or staffing authorizations during the meeting; DES said it would build a business case and notify the committee if more resources were required.