South Carolina benefits from an abundance of streams and rivers. There is nearly one-half mile of stream for every square mile of land surface. These waterways have contributed to the development and growth of the state’s economy, particularly its tourism industry. Apart from being ample, the state’s water resources are still reasonably clean and fresh.

South Carolina has approximately 29,898 miles of river, of which 41.9 miles are designated as wild and scenic—a bit more than 1/10th of 1% of the state’s river miles.