Background
In 1988, a small group of Lake Wateree property owners in the Fairfield County area recognized that very close monitoring and civic action would be necessary to preserve the water quality and the beauty of our lake. With this foresight, they formed the Lake Wateree Homes Owners Association of Fairfield County, Inc. (WHOA). The organization they established was carefully designated to provide a productive means of communication among lake property owners, a unified voice to make our interests and needs known to public and private agencies and an effective way to consolidate our efforts to protect our lake from environmental damage often caused by unregulated industrial and residential growth.

WHOA is registered as a nonprofit corporation in accordance with the laws of South Carolina. Under its formal by-laws, it is governed by a board of directors comprised of neighborhood representatives (one from each of the twelve designated community neighborhoods). A board chair a first and second vice-chair, secretary and treasurer are elected annually. Board meetings are normally held once a month throughout the year, and WHOA members are welcome to attend.

In December of 1990, lake property owners in the Kershaw County area of Lake Wateree formed a similar organization appropriately named WHOA of Kershaw County. The goals and purposes of the two are essentially identical.

Joint Efforts
WHOA of Fairfield County and WHOA of Kershaw County work closely together on many projects, and in some cases have formed permanent working committees to work with specific issues which concern al Lake Wateree property owners. Our nationally recognized WHOA Water Watch Committee is one example of our joint efforts. The Water Watch mission is to assess, monitor, and work to improve the quality of water in our lake - by any lawful means available. Scheduled periodic water quality testing in tributaries and inlet areas is just one of the ways WHOA accomplishes that goal. We also maintain working liaisons with SCDHEC, SC Department of Natural Resources and Duke Power Company.

Just for Fun
Although we work very hard on our primary goal to protect our waterways, we actively participate in many other activities that benefit the larger community, county, and state - and we sometimes do things just for fun!

Joining WHOA
Lake Wateree is still safe to swim in and it is still safe to eat the fish caught here. We all need to help if we want it to stay that way. WHOA is doing its but is only as good as its members. Please share in our important efforts by becoming a member of WHOA. There is a small contribution of $25 to join. If you would like a membership application write to: