The South Carolina Agricultural Water Use and Irrigation Survey

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Which organizations are collecting water data?
Which organizations are collecting water data?
County/Basin of Withdrawal South Carolina Department of Natural Resources South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control Clemson University
Surface Water Withdrawal Volume (>3MGM) South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control Clemson University
Ground Water Withdrawal Volume (>3MGM) South Carolina Department of Natural Resources South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control Clemson University
Ground Water Level South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
Reported Use By Sector South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control
Estimated Pump Capacity South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control Clemson University
# of Intakes South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control Clemson University
Surface Water Withdrawals (<3MGM) Clemson University
Ground Water Withdrawals (<3MGM) Clemson University
Type of Crop Irrigated Clemson University
Total Acres Irrigated Clemson University
Total Acres Per Crop Irrigated Clemson University
Irrigation Type (center pivot, linear move, surface drip, etc.) Clemson University
Average Annual Cost of Operation Clemson University
Power Requirements and Operating Pressure Range Clemson University
Irrigation Scheduling Information Clemson University
WHO:
Conducted by Clemson Cooperative Extension.
WHAT:
The South Carolina Agricultural Water Use and Irrigation Survey was designed by Clemson PSA water researchers and Extension agents to collect scientific data on agricultural water use that will then be utilized to make informed management decisions about South Carolina’s water resources.
WHERE:
Data is being collected statewide by Clemson Cooperative Extension agents on use of surface-and groundwater-supplied irrigation systems.
HOW:
Clemson Cooperative Extension agents are visiting farm operations throughout the state, meeting with producers to understand their agricultural water usage, and input the survey data into a centralized water use database. No individually identifiable farm information will be associated with the water use data.
WHY:
  • Abundant surface and groundwater is essential to the success of South Carolina’s $42 billion agriculture and natural resources economy.
  • Effective water resource planning and management relies on comprehensive, data-driven assessment of water resource health.
  • Thorough and accurate reporting of water use for irrigation will provide baseline data for informing policy-makers and preserving legal withdrawals for agricultural use.
  • Data you provide will help Clemson University researchers and scientists paint a complete picture of water use in the state.
  • By filling data gaps, we can tell the entire story of how the state’s water is used.
COLLABORATION PARTNERS:

Letter of Support from Our Partners

Chalmers Carr
“We need an unbiased, sound, science-based report that will help us make proper decisions…We’re hoping that the state will help fund Clemson water research so we can all share in that information and figure out the best way that we can all move forward together.” -Chalmers Carr
Charles Wingard
“Clemson is a trusted and well-respected academic institution, and I think that Clemson’s Water Research Center coming to the table will bring a lot of credibility to the water debate.” -Charles Wingard
John Long
“It would be very helpful for Clemson and Clemson Extension researchers to help us understand more about our water use and water availability…if we could understand more about water, it would help a lot with decisions…” -John Long

South Carolina River Basin Map

South Carolina River Basin Map