July 16, 2008

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- The Department of Natural Resources is considering mandatory water restrictions for parts of South Carolina.

The Greenville News reports that DNR board chairman Michael McShane said Tuesday a special drought committee will meet in a few weeks to see if any restrictions are needed, then bring those recommendations to Gov. Mark Sanford.

McShane said the state is in the midst of a 10-year dry spell. He said the Edisto River has had above average water flow for just one year in the past decade and reservoirs and groundwater levels are lower than they were this time last year.

The state Drought Response Committee last month placed Cherokee, Greenville, Pickens, Oconee and Spartanburg counties under an extreme drought, the most serious classification.

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