South Carolina Drought News Release
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
Land, Water and Conservation Division
South Carolina Drought Response Program
Department of Natural Resources News (803) 734-4133
SPECIAL NEWS RELEASE JULY 14, 1998
MODERATE DROUGHT DECLARED FOR ALL
COUNTIES IN SOUTH CAROLINA
After meeting with the S.C. Drought Response Committee today in Columbia, the S.C.
Department of Natural Resources has issued a moderate drought declaration for all counties in
South Carolina. A moderate drought declaration, which is the second of four drought levels
specified in the Drought Response Act of 1985, means that drought conditions have continued to
deteriorate and are expected to persist. Therefore, the Department's Land, Water &
Conservation Division will increase its monitoring and assessment of drought-related variables
such as temperature, precipitation, runoff, streamflow, ground-water levels, reservoir levels, soil
moisture, and public water supplies. The State Drought Response Committee is comprised of
representatives from five state agencies: Department of Agriculture, Department of Health &
Environmental Control, Department of Natural Resources, Forestry Commission, and Emergency
Preparedness Division.
The Crop Moisture Index, which measures short-term soil moisture needed for crop
growth, indicates that extremely dry conditions exist across the state and are severely impacting
growers and grazing livestock throughout South Carolina. Freddy Vang, Deputy Director of the
S.C. Department of Natural Resources' Land, Water and Conservation Division, told the
committee that the Department is working with members of the agricultural community both here
and in Washington to determine what measures can be taken to alleviate these "difficult times for
the farmers in our state." "We are keenly aware of the severity of the situation with regard to the
agricultural community," said Vang. "If there is any action that we can take to assist those whose
livelihood depends on agricultural and forestry interests, then we are prepared to act
immediately."
The National Weather Service forecast calls for a coastal storm that will bring possibly one
inch of rain from Beaufort to Myrtle Beach with lesser amounts inland to Columbia over the
next 48-72 hours. According to State Climatologist Mike Helfert, "Such a rainfall event will not be
sufficient to end the current drought situation where some areas in the state have received less
than 40% of normal rainfall since June 1, 1998 (see enclosed map). Although the long-term
forecast for the remainder of July does not indicate any substantial relief, it does call for above
normal rainfall in August and September."
A survey of water suppliers across the sate conducted by the Department indicates that
most reserves are adequate to meet the increased demand. According to Vang, "Excess rainfall
in the late winter and spring of this year has contributed to ample storage in large reservoirs and
aquifers. However, those water suppliers who depend on ground-water wells in the Piedmont,
and small reservoirs or unregulated streams may experience water shortages in the near future,"
said Vang. The Drought Response Committee encourages local water suppliers to review
drought response ordinances and plans for their area. The Department's Drought Information
Center has been activated in Columbia, and the public is asked to contact the Center at 803-737-
0800 if they need additional information, or if other problems arise.
Larry Barr, Fire Management Staff Forester from the South Carolina Forestry
Commission, told the Committee today that "South Carolina is at a high level of fire danger. The
current drought situation has contributed significantly to the increase in available fuels across the
state." Barr also said that since July 1, the number of fires has increased significantly.
DNR will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed. Integrated
drought information is available on the DNR's State Climatology Office Internet Web Site:
http://www.dnr.sc.gov/climate/sco/drought_info.html
Find out more about the State Climatology Office at http://www.dnr.sc.gov/climate/sco/ or by calling (803) 734-9100.
