Stormwater Management Division
Office Location:
400 Powell Rd.
Columbia, SC 29203
Telephone:
(803) 576-2400
Mission
The Richland County Stormwater Management Division (RCSH2O) provides stormwater management support (drainage and water quality) in order to improve public safety, enhance public health and increase public service through departmental and divisional coordination and public awareness.
Wait...what is stormwater? 
Stormwater is any water that falls on the ground when it rains or snows. On natural surfaces that water infiltrates—or soaks—into the ground; but on paved surfaces, it becomes surface runoff. Surface runoff either flows to the nearest pond or stream, or it flows into an inlet such as a storm drain. Any pollution on the ground is carried away by the runoff, and because stormwater runoff and the water flowing into storm drains is not treated, the pollution ends up in our local waterways. That polluted water affects the aquatic life and our ability to use the water for recreational and industrial purposes.
The primary objective of the actions and programs carried out by the Stormwater Managerment Division are dictated by the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit issued by South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC). The permit is a part of EPA’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program designed to reduce the amount of non-point source pollution that negatively affects the health of surface water in our community. Our job is to prevent pollution and help keep stormwater clean. View the Stormwater Management Plan to learn more about how Richland County aims to fulfill its MS4 permit requirements and address surface water quality concerns.
Anything other than stormwater that goes down a storm drain is considered an illicit discharge and should be reported by calling 803-929-6000!
Division News
It's Storm Drain Marking season and we’re looking for volunteers to mark storm drains!
When it rains, any pollution on the ground washes into storm drains and goes into the river without being treated, and storm drains blocked with trash and leaves can be unsightly and cause flooding. Storm drain marking involves placing metal decals on curb inlets in order to remind people that storm drains lead to our rivers and only rain should go down them. This is a great community service opportunity both groups and individuals.
Help do your part to keep our waterways clean by marking storm drains, keeping drains free of trash and debris, and reporting anything other than rain going into a storm drain. If the drains in your neighborhood need to be marked, or if you want to volunteer to mark drains, visit www.myriverstartshere.org.