S.C. Code Ann. § 49-3-50

This is the official text of S.C. Code Ann. § 49-3-50, part of South Carolina’s Code Ann — part of the compiled statutory law of South Carolina, published by the state as "Code Ann." Browse the sections below, each linked to its official government source.

Not legal advice. This page reproduces the official text of a government statute for reference only. Laws change, and how a statute applies depends on your specific facts. For advice about your situation, consult a licensed attorney in your state.

SECTION 49-3-50. Matters to be considered by department in exercising responsibilities.

Official statutory text

In exercising its responsibilities under this chapter, the department shall take into consideration the need for: (1) adequate supplies of surface and groundwaters of suitable quality for all uses, including domestic, municipal, agricultural, and industrial; (2) water of suitable quality for all purposes; (3) water availability for recreational and commercial needs; (4) hydroelectric power; (5) flood damage control or prevention measures including zoning to protect people, property, and productive lands from flood losses; (6) land stabilization measures; (7) drainage measures, including salinity control; (8) watershed protection and management measures; (9) outdoor recreational and fish and wildlife opportunities; (10) studies on saltwater intrusion into groundwater and surface water; (11) measures to protect the state's fisheries and other aquatic resources; (12) any other means by which development of water and related land resources can contribute to economic growth and development, the long-term preservation of water resources, and the general well-being of all the people of the State. Effect of Amendment The 2008 amendment, in item (c), substituted "for recreational and commercial needs" for "facilities". 2019 Act No. 73, SECTION 2, in (a), substituted "all uses, including domestic, municipal, agricultural, and industrial" for "domestic, municipal, agricultural, and industrial uses"; in (b), deleted "quality facilities and controls to assure water" following "Water"; in (c), substituted "Water availability" for "Water navigation"; and inserted (j) and (k) and redesignated (j) as (l). 2023 Act No. 60, SECTION 5, made nonsubstantive changes throughout the section.

Status: in_force · Read it on the official government site

Need a lawyer in South Carolina?

Find a South Carolina lawyer
About this page: Statute text is reproduced from official government publishers via the Open US Law dataset (Vaquill AI, snapshot v2026.08, CC BY 4.0). Primary legislative text like this is public domain under the government-edicts doctrine (Georgia v. Public.Resource.Org, 2020). We link every section back to its official source so you can verify it independently.