The purpose of the Northwest Watershed Overlay District (NWW-OD) is to protect the vital Columbia water intake resource on Lake Murray from contamination. The City of Columbia Water Department relies on drawing 30 million gallons per DAY of relatively clean drinking water that requires minimal treatment from Lake Murray -  it is imperative that it is protected from additional contamination.

Any increase in water pollution will vastly increase costs to purification of drinking water. The intent of the NWW-OD is to allow for reasonable development and land use that is compatible with the existing neighborhood character. Without the NWW-OD, Richland County is subject to potential loss of life or property, health, and safety hazards, disruption of commerce and governmental services, and extraordinary public expenditures for water protection and relief, all of which adversely affect the public health, safety, and general welfare of the citizens of Richland County.

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These hazards would be caused or extended in part by an increased occupancy allowance of the 7 natural peninsula areas jutting out into Lake Murray. 

More specifically, the intent of this NWW-OD is to:

1. Ensure development and land use in areas adjacent to surface waters and wetlands does not contribute to the degradation of water quality in Lake Murray.

2. Protect the lake against water runoff and other activities, uses, or characteristic hazards at the time of initial construction which may increase damage or destruction of wildlife habitat.

3.  Preserve and enhance the aesthetic, recreational, and economic value associated with surface waters and wetlands.

4. Protect and enhance the capacity of natural systems to absorb rainwater in a manner that allows for reasonable development and land use.

5. Protect against potential sewer overflows and sewage spills due to lack of no public sewer system. Approximately 80% of the homes have septic tanks on the "LETTS" system tied to an under sized 6" pipe from 30 years ago to remove gray sewer water. Currently backups in this system cause tank overflows. To implement a solid waste sewer system would cost millions.

6. There is a need to continue dependence on good wells or lake water draws for drinking water. The availability of public water is almost nonexistent. Approximately 80% of the homes rely on a well or lake draw. The amount of additional development the aquifer can support is limited and it would not be prudent to wait until it is too late and the lack of water becomes a reality.

7. 75% of the thousands of residents living on these 7 natural peninsulas are subject to total entrapment if the only single lane road to this area is blocked for any reason. Having only one two lane road in and out means a blockage of any kind would totally cut off thousands of residents and cause potential risk to lives. Such a blockage would mean no Ingress or Egress for Commuting to and from Work, Doctor or Hospital Visits, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Firefighting, School Busses, or Law Enforcement Activities.