Water Use Rules in South Carolina (2026)
10 rules on the books across South Carolina, 8 cities and counties. Select a rule to read the full details.
Severity: Few Restrictions · Light Restrictions · Some Restrictions · Significant Restrictions · Heavy Restrictions
Turf Replacement Rebates
Rebate programs paying residents to replace turf with drought-tolerant landscaping, including per-square-foot incentives and approved plant lists.
Recycled Water Rules
Where purple-pipe recycled water is required for irrigation, dual-plumbing requirements for new construction, and cross-connection-control rules.
York County
Significant RestrictionsDuring a Stage 2 mandatory drought in York County, water slides and similar water-based recreation can't keep running…
Read full rule →Beaufort County
Some RestrictionsBeaufort County's Community Development Code requires every car wash and auto detailing operation in the unincorporated…
Read full rule →Dorchester County
Some RestrictionsDorchester County runs a reclaimed water system through its Water and Sewer Department under Code Division 13, meant to…
Read full rule →Rock Hill
Some RestrictionsDuring a Stage 2 or higher drought in Rock Hill, South Carolina, swimming pools may be filled only once per drought…
Read full rule →Leak Reporting Duty
Property owner's duty to report and repair water leaks within a set window once notified, plus how utilities issue leak-adjustment credits and impose penalties.
Anderson County
Some RestrictionsOnce Anderson County Council proclaims a severe or extreme drought, an unresolved leak becomes an enforcement trigger…
Read full rule →Berkeley County
Some RestrictionsBerkeley County has no year-round duty to report a leak, but once its water authority declares a severe or extreme…
Read full rule →Pageland
Some RestrictionsDuring a declared drought phase, Pageland water customers who get a ten-day notice to fix a leak and don't comply lose…
Read full rule →Rock Hill
Some RestrictionsRock Hill, South Carolina can shut off water service to a customer who gets a ten-day written notice to repair a leak…
Read full rule →York County
Some RestrictionsYork County requires customers on its water system to fix distribution leaks fast once a drought stage is declared…
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