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Charleston Water Plan

A foundational strategy for managing flood risks and embracing water’s place in the City’s future.

This Water Plan embraces the history and culture of water in Charleston, providing recommendations and opportunities that protect and highlight the significance of the City’s relationship with water in the past and for years to come. Water Plan strategies build upon Dutch Dialogues® Charleston and the 2021 Charleston City Plan. Looking ahead to 2050 and beyond, the Water Plan seeks to manage flood risks from tides, sea level rise, stormwater, storm surge & groundwater; guide safe, resilient growth; protect, conserve, and restore ecologically sensitive areas; and accentuate the City’s sense of place and historic character around water.

The projects recommended in the Water Plan span a variety of implementation strategies, scales, and approaches. Some of them comprise multiple smaller projects, including opportunities to take advantage of recently completed City initiatives.


Water is part of Charleston and is woven throughout its history, nature, and culture. Flooding is manageable but the location & types of development will change in response to rising water. Sea level rise increases risk from all types of flooding that have long affected Charleston’s landscape. Charleston can continue to thrive with investment in adaptation that strengthens the City’s character, culture, and economy.



Client

City of Charleston

Year

2024