S.C. Code Ann. § 49-4-55: Registered and exempt surface water withdrawers can apply for surface water withdrawal permits; criteria.

(A) A registered surface water withdrawer is not prohibited from applying for a surface water withdrawal permit. The permit application must be considered using the criteria established in the section establishing the permit for which the registered surface water withdrawer is applying. A registered surface water withdrawer that obtains a surface water withdrawal permit must abide by all of the terms of this chapter related to permit holders and is entitled to all of the rights conferred by a permit.

(B) An exempt surface water withdrawer is not prohibited from applying for a surface water withdrawal permit or from registering its use. An exempt surface water withdrawer's application for a permit must be considered using the criteria established in the section establishing the permit for which the registered surface water withdrawer is applying. An exempt surface water withdrawer that obtains a permit or registers its use is entitled to all of the rights conferred upon by a permit or a registered surface water withdrawer, as the case may be.