Rock Hill, SC Water Use Rules: Recycled Water Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Trigger
- Stage 2 mandatory drought declaration
- Pool fills
- Once per drought period
- Water slides
- Must use recycled water to stay open
- Stage 4
- All pool/slide filling prohibited
- Variance deadline
- 10 working days after proclamation
Summary
During a Stage 2 or higher drought in Rock Hill, South Carolina, swimming pools may be filled only once per drought period, and water slides and similar water-based recreational equipment can keep running only if they switch to recycled water. The requirement escalates further once Stage 4 emergency conservation is declared.
Limit water-based recreational activities that require filling newly constructed or drained structures such as swimming pools, water slides or other water-based recreational equipment. Reduce filling or maintaining public or private swimming pools to one time per drought period. Newly constructed public or private swimming pools may be filled one time per drought period. Recycled water must be in use for water slides and other water-related activities to continue operations.
Full Breakdown
Rock Hill's water conservation ordinance defines reuse water as water that is "reused, recycled or reclaimed" and used more than once before returning to the natural water cycle (City Code § 29-272). 4). The rule tightens at Stage 4 emergency conservation, where the city prohibits all filling, maintaining, or topping off of public or private swimming pools, water slides, or other water-based recreational equipment outright, with a narrow carve-out for commercial and service-related businesses (including car washing and pressure washing) that use recycled or reclaimed water in their processes, who may continue operating unless the shortage runs past one week (City Code § 29-277(3)a, l).
The drought response representative recommends each stage to the city manager, who issues a written proclamation and notifies the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources' Drought Information Center before restrictions take effect. Customers who believe they cannot comply may petition city management for a variance within ten working days of the proclamation (City Code § 29-281).
Violations & Fines
Enforcement runs through the general drought-response penalty schedule rather than a separate recycled-water fine. Residential customers face a $50 surcharge for a first violation, $100 for a second, and termination of water service on a third violation until a $150 surcharge plus prior charges is paid. Commercial and industrial customers face $100, then $200, then a $300 reinstatement charge on a third violation (City Code § 29-280).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still run my water slide during a Rock Hill drought?
How often can I fill my pool during a Stage 2 drought in Rock Hill?
Who declares a drought stage in Rock Hill?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rock Hill
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