Neighborhood

Dwell: How Kiawah River’s 17th Century Water Management System Supports its Commitment to Sustainability

At Kiawah River, we are strongly committed to environmental stewardship and working with nature rather than against it. In order to uphold this commitment, our team has adopted an innovative blend of traditional and modern preservation techniques, with every aspect of our community reflecting a deep respect for the land and its ecosystem.

Kiawah River’s cutting-edge water management system is a vital initiative that many residents may not know much about, so we wanted to shine a spotlight on its history and how it works.

Prior to development, Kiawah River’s team performed a comprehensive restoration of the property’s extensive pond systems. This involved reconstructing and enhancing natural water channels and reintroducing the use of rice trunk gates. These gates, dating back to the 1600s when they were widely used in the region’s rice plantations, play a crucial role in naturally regulating tidal water flows and improving oxygen levels, thus fostering a healthier marine and wildlife habitat.

Led by Jeff Snyder, Kiawah River’s Chief Environmental Officer, the installation of 12 traditional rice trunk gates was a pivotal step in this restoration. Since their installation, the property has experienced a notable resurgence in aquatic life within the pond systems, marked by thriving fish populations and increased waterfowl activity. These improvements have also brought about positive ecological effects, notably reducing algae and grass growth within the ponds.

In addition to this historic method of managing water, Kiawah River additionally utilizes detention and retention basins, vegetated swales and engineered water quality filters in order to foster and maintain the healthiest possible ecosystem.

We are so appreciative of Jeff and his team for their efforts and look forward to a sustainable future, as well as introducing new ways we can all work together to preserve the natural beauty of Kiawah River for generations to come.