24 AUGUST 2026 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Protecting Water Rights Adapted from Information by the South Carolina Ground Water Association The South Carolina Ground Water Association (SCGWA) is celebrating as House Bill 5111 is officially signed into law. The bill was signed by Governor Henry McMaster on May 15, 2026, bringing a successful end to the association's two-year effort to get the legislation passed. In addition to protecting the rights of South Carolina property owners to use private water wells, this legislation supports longterm sustainable water infrastructure while ensuring public health standards remain intact. Key provisions include: • Protection of Property Rights which prohibits political subdivisions from restricting property owners from drilling or using private wells on agricultural or single-family residential properties consisting of at least half an acre. • Backflow Prevention Requirements are in place for property owners who have both a private well and a connection to a public water system. In those cases, backflow prevention devices must be installed to prevent cross-contamination. • A Well Registry of wells must be maintained by local water systems which comply with existing state requirements through the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services permitting and reporting processes. Additionally, property owners who use a private well will not be exempt from applicable base fees if public water service is available. Plus, if a public water system fails to meet state or federal standards, political subdivisions cannot prevent property owners from accessing water through private wells. The bill does not allow property owners to disconnect from an existing public water system. It also reiterates how state regulations of public and community water systems will remain unchanged. WTR In Memoriam Charles Terrell “Smokey” Robinson (1940~2026) Charles Terrell “Smokey” Robinson of Ocala, Florida, passed away June 13, 2026. He was born in 1940, in Arcadia. He and his late wife Janet started Smokey's Pump Service and Well Drilling, Inc. 53 years ago, and the company is on the third generation of family owners. He was always proud of Smokey's Pump saying, “I wonder where they are headed,” whenever he saw a Smokey's truck go down the road. Smokey lived a wonderful life. He and Janet had a place in Crystal River for over 20 years, catching mullet off the dock and fishing in the gulf. They went fishing as a family from Cedar Key to Yankeetown and more. Left behind to cherish Smokey’s memory is his son Derrel (Dreama); daughter Penny (Randy); grandchildren Jessie (Zac), Jackie (Marcus), Tyler, Michael (Lori), and Ryan (Olivia); and great-grandchildren Emma, Colt, Alexis, and Lexie. Stanley “Stan” Marvidakis (1952~2026) Stanley “Stan” Marvidakis passed away on May 26, 2026, in Murray, Utah. He was born in 1952, in Price. In his early years, Stan enjoyed drag racing at Bonneville Raceway in his ‘67 Camaro. He turned to Harleys as his next hobby and passion because they also went fast. Spending most of his life working in the coal mines, he was first at Horse Canyon then at Hiawatha Mine. Stan was the “go-to guy” since there wasn’t much he couldn’t fix. After the mines, he worked at Joy Manufacturing, staying on after it transitioned to Komatsu Mining Corp. He did a lot of traveling for work to places he would never have gone on his own - like New Mexico, Texas, Colorado, and Alaska. He was excited to say he was by the North Pole. Sadly, his retirement was short, but he was able to spend more time with his grandson Jaxson, going to his football, baseball, basketball, and soccer games. He also started cooking and loved to grill and smoke meats. Stan is survived by his mother Inge; son Stanley; grandson Jaxson; sisters Connie (Jim) and Marilyn; sister-in-law Luanne; nephews Nick, James (Jamie), and Rick (Amanda); nieces Michelle (Weston) and Rachelle (Rick); and great-nephews and great-nieces Mikey, CJ, Devan, Colton, Joshlynn, and Rickelle. He was preceded in death by his father Nick; brother Mike; and sister Peggy. The management and staff of WWDR offer their condolences to Smokey and Stan’s family and friends. Lest we forget . . .
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