Now's the time for water law

South Carolina's long-standing drought may have finally ended, but it's no time to be complacent about water resources. The drought demonstrated just how carefully those resources need to be protected.

A bill to ensure that the state's rivers and streams remain viable for recreation, industry and drinking water is close to passage. Legislative advocates should focus on pushing it across this session.

The drive for such legislation has already taken four years. Supporters, who have worked hard to advance it this far, should do all they can to see that the bill becomes law. Sen. Paul Campbell, R-Summerville, is the bill's author, and he is optimistic.

It would require businesses and industries to obtain permits to withdraw surface water from rivers and other bodies of water, and it limits the amount of water each can take. It should ensure ample supplies for industry, recreation and the environment. Legislative approval is the responsible thing to do.

Sen. Campbell acknowledges that the bill is not perfect, but said it represents a solid consensus. It was written with input from seven disparate groups: the state Department of Health and Environmental Control, the state Department of Natural Resources, the Attorney General's office, environmentalists, business, agriculture and public water interests.

Realistically, each group must be on board for the bill to get the needed votes, and Sen. Campbell said he believes that will happen this year.

Sen. Campbell has kept a sharp eye on protecting business interests, already threatened by the economic downturn. He says the bill is workable for existing businesses and new ones.

Another advocate for the bill, Sen. Chip Campsen, R-Charleston, has focused on protecting natural resources that benefit fishing, hunting and recreation. The legislation aims to ensure ample water for recreation year-round.

Water issues are not going away. South Carolina's disputes with Georgia and North Carolina over how much water each state can withdraw from rivers they share are critical to the Palmetto State's future.

Georgia has a bill regulating water withdrawal, and North Carolina is expected to complete one soon. In court, where the disputes will be resolved, it is key for South Carolina also to have a bill that demonstrates it is a good steward of resources.

It will be tempting for some legislators to want to amend the bill. They should do so only with great caution because, if the bill fails this time, it is unlikely to be resurrected any time soon.

And if the state doesn't take a responsible stance to protect its river resources, the next drought might be crippling.