Above Water: How Charleston Plans To Prevent Floods

It’s a problem. A big one. Flooding in Charleston. I remember in college walking through water to my knees after a big rain, especially if it came at high tide, on Rutledge Avenue. That was a generation ago, and it’s still happening. Certain streets fare worse than others, and most of us know which ones to avoid.

But it’s bad. It’s why there’s a new, impressive trend I’m spotting downtown…people getting their houses permanently lifted. A company comes along with cool machinery and cranks the house up, much the way a carjack lifts a car. Then they build a new foundation under the structure and put it back down. I’d definitely not want to live next door while this is going on…some of the houses are three stories already, and I imagine them teetering while they’re unloosed from their moorings.

But lest everyone think all the other Charlestonians without houses being lifted are simply standing by and gawking at them or twiddling our thumbs while our city gets swamped, here is the latest multifaceted approach to flood prevention the city has adopted.

I’ve already mentioned the thrilling, perilous, but super-satisfying first one:​

1. Raising Homes and Strengthening Infrastructure: Charleston is making big moves to fight flooding, lifting homes and key buildings in low-lying areas. With federal help, the county has stepped in to raise houses that keep getting hit by high water, aiming to cut down on future damage and keep folks dry.
2. Smart Growth and Green Spaces: Charleston is weaving nature into its flood-fighting plans, turning unused spaces into parks that soak up stormwater. Projects like the Lowcountry Lowline help keep streets drier while making the city greener and more livable.
3. Keeping Water in Check: Charleston is pulling together experts to tackle flooding from every angle—high tides, storms, and rising sea levels. They’re working on a big-picture plan to manage water smarter, protect homes, and keep the city flowing smoothly.
4. Teaching and Involving the Community: Charleston is making sure its residents know how to stay safe and protect their homes from floods. They’ve put together helpful resources, like the Flood Preparedness Brochure, to guide everyone in doing their part to keep the city strong.
5. Smart Building Rules: Charleston’s updated its building rules to keep development out of flood-prone areas and make sure new buildings can handle the water. The Preservation Society is all for designs that help reduce flooding risks and remind everyone that we’re all in this together when it comes to managing water.

Dealing with big high tides takes teamwork. The Coastal Conservation League is urging city and county leaders to focus on green spaces, protect wetlands, and stop building in flood-prone areas to help reduce flooding risks.

Charleston has joined the National Flood Insurance Program and the Community Rating System to help lower flood risks and make the community stronger when it comes to handling this really complex, important aspect of living here.

The city is rolling up its sleeves to tackle these epic high tides, finding ways to protect its history while adapting to the changing coast. From smarter infrastructure to community efforts and better planning, Charleston is working hard to keep its future above water.