South Carolina Drought Response Water Restrictions

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 of drought-stage water restrictions enforced by local water suppliers may result in warnings, fines, surcharges on water bills, or temporary service disconnection.