South Carolina Statewide Rule
South Carolina Drought Response Water Restrictions
Key Facts
- Statute
- Title 49, Chapter 23
- Lead Agency
- SC DNR Drought Committee
- Drought Stages
- Four levels declared
- Local Plans
- Required for suppliers
Summary
South Carolina's Drought Response Act establishes a statewide framework for declaring drought stages and implementing mandatory water-use restrictions through DNR and local water suppliers, applicable to all jurisdictions.
(A) Municipalities, counties, public service districts, special purpose districts, and commissions of public works engaged in the business or activity of supplying water for any purpose shall develop and implement drought response ordinances or plans where authority to enact ordinances does not exist. The ordinances or plans must be consistent with the State Drought Response Plan, implemented through the regulations adopted pursuant to this chapter. The department shall prepare and distribute a model drought response ordinance or plan. (B) A proposed ordinance or plan or a change to an ordinance or plan first must be submitted to the department for review to determine consistency with the State Drought Response Plan.
Full Breakdown
The South Carolina Drought Response Act (Title 49, Chapter 23) authorizes the Department of Natural Resources Drought Response Committee to declare incipient, moderate, severe, or extreme drought conditions across designated drought management areas. Public water suppliers must adopt drought response ordinances or plans consistent with state guidance. During declared droughts, restrictions on outdoor watering, lawn irrigation, car washing, and ornamental fountains may apply. Nonessential water use can be limited or banned. Violations of locally adopted drought ordinances are enforced by the supplier or local jurisdiction.
Violations & Penalties
Violations of drought-stage water restrictions enforced by local water suppliers may result in warnings, fines, surcharges on water bills, or temporary service disconnection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who declares a drought in South Carolina?
Are watering restrictions automatic statewide?
Sources
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.