S.C. Regulators Concerned about Large Farms' Water Use

Environmental officials in South Carolina are worried about how much water large farms are using.

The State newspaper reported the Department of Health and Environmental Control is looking to limit the amount of water that is removed from groundwater tables in Lexington and six other counties.

There has been a drop of 5 feet (1.5 meters) to 10 feet (3 meters) in groundwater levels in Lexington County since 2001.

State regulators say their plan to oversee major withdrawals could protect drinking water supplies for thousands of South Carolinians. Public water systems in a number of communities rely on groundwater.

Some Lexington County farmers are worried. They question how much the county's groundwater levels are in jeopardy. Farmer Howard Rawl says he sees no need for worry anytime soon.

Information from: The State, http://www.thestate.com