All Roll Calls
Yes: 263 • No: 0
South CarolinaH 5111126th General Assembly (2025-2026)HouseWALLET
AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 6-1-200 SO AS TO DEFINE TERMS AND PROHIBIT A POLITICAL SUBDIVISION FROM UNREASONABLY RESTRICTING PRIVATE WELLS ON AGRICULTURAL OR SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES AND FROM REQUIRING CONNECTION TO A WATER SYSTEM IF THE SYSTEM IS UNABLE TO PROVIDE SERVICES, AMONG OTHER THINGS.
Sponsored By: Cally R. "Cal" Forrest, Jr. (Republican)
Signed by Governor
Summary
Public Water System Connections
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
New costs and rules for well users
Beginning May 15, 2026, if public water was available when your well was installed, you must pay base charges and fees, even if you use little or none. If you use a well while connected, you must install a backflow device. The provider must inspect and approve it, and you pay the inspection cost. If service is available at your property, you must register your well with the local provider. This law does not let you disconnect from a system you are already connected to.
Local rules can't block private wells
Beginning May 15, 2026, local governments cannot unreasonably block private wells on agricultural or single-family property of one-half acre or more. This protection also applies when the state issues a written finding that the public water system fails drinking-water standards. If the system cannot serve your property, it cannot require a hookup. The provider must give you written notice within 30 days after you request service.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Cally R. "Cal" Forrest, Jr.
Republican • House
Cosponsors
Adam L. Duncan
Republican • House
Daniel Gibson
Republican • House
Charles V. Hartz
Republican • House
John T. Lastinger, Jr.
Republican • House
John R. McCravy III
Republican • House
Robert T. Reese
Democrat • House
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 5/5/2026
(Public Water System Connections)2nd Reading
Yes: 45 • No: 0
House vote • 4/14/2026
(Public Water System Connections)Passage of Bill
Yes: 109 • No: 0
House vote • 4/14/2026
(Public Water System Connections)Passage of Bill
Yes: 109 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Act No. 158
5/26/2026legislatureEffective date 05/15/26
5/26/2026legislatureSigned By Governor
5/15/2026GovernorRatified R 211
5/14/2026legislatureRead third time and enrolled
5/6/2026SenateRoll call Ayes-45 Nays-0
5/5/2026SenateRead second time
5/5/2026SenateRecalled from Committee on Judiciary
4/29/2026SenateReferred to Committee on Judiciary
4/15/2026SenateIntroduced and read first time
4/15/2026SenateRead third time and sent to Senate
4/15/2026HouseRoll call Yeas-109 Nays-0
4/14/2026HouseRead second time
4/14/2026HouseAmended
4/14/2026HouseMember(s) request name added as sponsor: Gibson, McCravy, Reese, Duncan
4/14/2026HouseCommittee report: Favorable with amendment Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs
4/2/2026HouseMember(s) request name added as sponsor: Hartz
4/1/2026HouseMember(s) request name added as sponsor: Lastinger
3/25/2026HouseReferred to Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs
2/5/2026HouseIntroduced and read first time
2/5/2026House
Bill Text
Introduced
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