Why We Should All Be Waccamaw Waterwatchers

Interviewee

Susan M. Libes, Coastal Carolina University

Files

Date

10-30-2003

Duration

1:19:04

Description

The history and future of Horry County are entwined with those of the Waccamaw River. Until the advent of bridges and paved roads in the 1930s, the Waccamaw was the major commercial transportation artery, making the river the center of business and residential life. In modern times, the river has evolved into a significant and unique commercial and recreational resource, supporting residential real estate development and ecotourism. The river is also a source of drinking water and a federally per­mitted receiving body for treated effluent. It is part of a vast watershed that controls water drainage and purity over two counties in North Carolina and two counties in South Carolina. Maintaining these often-conflicting functions will be central to enabling development and to sustaining the quality of life that stimulates development.

The Waccamaw River is arguably the most significant body of water affecting the history and future of the region. Today the Conway Riverwalk attracts residents and visitors to a thriving commercial center with shops and restaurants, a park and marina, while the banks of the Waccamaw - from Winyah Bay to Lake Waccamaw in North Carolina - are experienc­ing unparalleled growth at the edge of a significant freshwater source for thousands of citizens.

Polluted stormwater runoff from commercial and residential properties, changes in hydrology caused by ditching and draining wetlands, and the loss of pervious surfaces threaten the future of the Waccamaw and every­thing along its banks. Maintaining a clean, navigable river is essential for the health and welfare of future generations and for the pleasure of those who enjoy hunting, fishing, swimming, boating, hiking and birding. In many ways, the future of the Waccamaw defines the future quality of life for its residents and visitors. As I will describe, our collective efforts will be needed to solve our current problems and minimize future ones.

Comments

This series was made possible through the generous support of HTC, the Horry Telephone Cooperative, Inc.

Subject

Coastal Carolina University--Periodicals;Lecture--Series;Waccamaw River (N.C. and S.C.);Water quality management--South Carolina;Watershed management;Libes, Susan M.

Rights

Copyright © Coastal Carolina University. For more information contact University Archives at Coastal Carolina University, Conway, SC 29526.

Extent

Additional files include a printed speech and flyer

Recommended Citation

Libes, Susan M., "Why We Should All Be Waccamaw Waterwatchers" (2003). HTC Distinguished Teacher-Scholar Lecture Series. 9.
https://digitalcommons.coastal.edu/dtsls/9