SOUTH-CAROLINA RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: January 6, 2026

In a sweeping assessment of the nation's dams and reservoirs, it's evident that water storage levels are presenting a mixed picture, reflecting the diverse climatic and geographic conditions across the country. Several reservoirs, such as Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire, are reporting below-average water levels, hinting at potential water management challenges ahead. Conversely, in places like Pennsylvania, General Edgar Jadwin Reservoir and Prompton Reservoir are maintaining levels close to their averages, suggesting stability in their water supply.

A closer look at the data reveals particular areas of concern and resilience. For instance, reservoirs such as Lake Mead in Nevada and Lake Powell at the Arizona border are experiencing significantly reduced storage, a clear indicator of the enduring drought in the southwestern United States. This situation is pressing, considering these reservoirs' key role in supplying water to millions of people in the region. On the other hand, California's Lake Berryessa and New Bullards Bar are among those seeing surpluses, which could be attributed to recent heavy rainfalls and snowpack melt, showcasing the variability of water resources. The increasing scarcity in some areas and the abundance in others call for a nuanced understanding of resource management that is responsive to the evolving patterns of climate and consumption.

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.