SOUTH-CAROLINA RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: December 29, 2025

As of the latest observations, the national status of dams and reservoirs reflects a varied landscape of water storage levels across the country. Some regions are experiencing abundant water reserves, while others face significant deficits, often correlating with prevailing weather patterns, snowpack conditions, and usage demands. Notably, major water bodies such as Lake Mead in Nevada and Lake Powell in Arizona have reported storage levels far below their historical averages, indicative of the prolonged drought affecting the Southwest. Conversely, northern states such as Montana's Flathead Lake at Polson exhibit storage levels exceeding average figures, possibly benefiting from recent precipitation and runoff influx.

In contrasting examples, California's Lake San Antonio has shown a remarkable increase in storage, surpassing historical averages, while Florida's Ward Lake near Bradenton is at a lower than typical gage height. These snapshots underscore the complexity of water management challenges, as hydrologists and researchers grapple with a dynamic interplay of natural forces and human influence. The data suggests a pressing need for adaptive measures in water resource planning and underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring to inform sustainable management practices. Overall, the current state of the nation's dams and reservoirs serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilant and proactive water stewardship in an era of climate variability.

South Carolina has numerous small and large reservoirs and dams that play an important role in providing water for domestic, agricultural, and industrial purposes. Some of the major reservoirs in the state include Lake Marion, Lake Moultrie, Lake Murray, and the Jocassee Reservoir. These reservoirs are fed by various streams, rivers, and creeks, including the Savannah River, Catawba River, Broad River, and Saluda River. The hydrology of South Carolina is influenced by its location in the southeastern United States and its proximity to the Appalachian Mountains. The state receives ample rainfall throughout the year, with occasional drought conditions during the summer months. The mountains in the western part of the state contribute to snowpack, which can affect streamflow and reservoir levels during the spring and early summer. Record flooding has occurred in South Carolina in recent years, such as the 2015 floods that resulted in widespread damage and loss of life. In contrast, drought conditions have also been experienced, such as the severe drought in 2016 that led to water restrictions and low reservoir levels. Seasonal trends in streamflow and reservoir levels vary depending on rainfall patterns and other factors.

South Carolina has numerous small and large reservoirs and dams that play an important role in providing water for domestic, agricultural, and industrial purposes. Some of the major reservoirs in the state include Lake Marion, Lake Moultrie, Lake Murray, and the Jocassee Reservoir. These reservoirs are fed by various streams, rivers, and creeks, including the Savannah River, Catawba River, Broad River, and Saluda River.

The hydrology of South Carolina is influenced by its location in the southeastern United States and its proximity to the Appalachian Mountains. The state receives ample rainfall throughout the year, with occasional drought conditions during the summer months. The mountains in the western part of the state contribute to snowpack, which can affect streamflow and reservoir levels during the spring and early summer.

Record flooding has occurred in South Carolina in recent years, such as the 2015 floods that resulted in widespread damage and loss of life. In contrast, drought conditions have also been experienced, such as the severe drought in 2016 that led to water restrictions and low reservoir levels. Seasonal trends in streamflow and reservoir levels vary depending on rainfall patterns and other factors.