New water law a triumph

South Carolina's rivers mean something different to everyone -- a source of drinking water, a place to fish, a provider of power, a scenic view, an aid to agriculture. A bill passed by the Legislature and recently signed into law by the governor ensures that those rivers will continue to meet the state's needs.

That is welcome news, as the chairman of the state Natural Resources Board points out in a letter on this page.

The move positions the state to protect its water supply from neighboring states, which use the same rivers. The law will be even more welcome in a drought.

The bill, championed by local Sens. Chip Campsen and Paul Campbell, will control how much water individuals and industries can remove from the state's rivers. It applies to those withdrawing more than 3 million gallons of water per month, though it exempts existing businesses.

Getting to this point took years of negotiating with industrial, farming, environmental and recreational interests. Mr. Campsen and Mr. Campbell deserve thanks for helping fashion a compromise that should work for all concerned.

The true test will come when South Carolina experiences another drought like the recent one that significantly lowered lake and river levels and hurt fishing-related businesses. If the law needs tweaking then, we hope that the mutual respect and trust that Mr. Campsen and Mr. Campbell coaxed from industrial, environmental and recreational entities during their intense discussions, will allow for swift and effective adjustments.

The two senators have themselves had to compromise during the process. Sen. Campsen's primary interest was "boats, bass and Bubba." Sen. Campbell wanted assurance that the law would not discourage new industry. Both are satisfied with the end product.

And both say the bill might be helpful in any litigation with surrounding states because it demonstrates that South Carolina protects its water resources.

As Atlanta continues to expand and Georgia's water needs grow, this law could send a strong signal to a court of law that South Carolina is a good steward of its natural resources, and that its efforts should be respected. There is also competition for water between South Carolina and North Carolina, with its growing demands for water in the Charlotte area.

The South Carolina Surface Water Withdrawal, Permitting, Use and Reporting Act should strengthen the state's ability to contend with increasing competition for water, and allow the state to cope with naturally occurring changes in river levels.

And that means rivers will flow, wildlife and people will drink and industry that relies on water will thrive.