Myrtle Beach SC Water Restrictions 2026

Current water restrictions in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Myrtle Beach is currently under voluntary conservation guidelines rather than mandatory restrictions, with the Grand Strand Water & Sewer Authority (GSWSA) recommending that all customers limit outdoor irrigation to no more than 2 days per week, before 10:00 a.m. or after 6:00 p.m.

GSWSA issued the voluntary conservation advisory in response to an ongoing and significant drought across the Grand Strand coastal region. As of April 2026, approximately 97% of South Carolina is experiencing drought conditions, with the Myrtle Beach area classified under severe drought. The Grand Strand's sandy coastal soils compound the problem: water drains through them rapidly, meaning rainfall deficits translate almost immediately into stressed lawns and landscaping, and irrigation systems must work harder than they would in clay-heavy inland areas.

South Carolina has no statewide mandatory outdoor watering ordinance, so the authority to declare and enforce restrictions rests with regional utilities and local governments. GSWSA, which serves Horry County including Myrtle Beach, is the relevant body here. There is no state agency directing mandatory cuts at this time, though the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources continues to monitor drought conditions and adjacent impacts from drought conditions in North Carolina.

Practically speaking: because these are voluntary guidelines, a resident who waters their garden on a Wednesday morning is not violating a law or facing a fine. However, GSWSA is actively encouraging all customers to follow the 2-day schedule and time windows. If drought conditions worsen, GSWSA has the authority to escalate to mandatory restrictions — which would immediately carry enforcement weight. Check gswsa.com or call 843-347-4641 for the latest advisory status before watering.

When can you water in Myrtle Beach?

Because the current phase is voluntary, GSWSA has not assigned specific watering days based on address number or street. Residents have the flexibility to choose any two days that fit their schedule. GSWSA's recommendation to avoid watering between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. is rooted in Myrtle Beach's summer heat — midday irrigation loses a significant portion of water to evaporation before it ever reaches root zones, especially in the region's fast-draining sandy soils.

Commercial properties, golf courses, and large multi-family complexes along the Grand Strand are subject to the same voluntary advisory. Golf irrigation, a major water consumer in Horry County, is encouraged to use moisture sensors and weather-based controllers to reduce draw on GSWSA's system during the drought advisory period. If GSWSA escalates to mandatory restrictions, commercial accounts and large landscape irrigators often face stricter per-site rules — so now is a good time to audit irrigation controllers.

Myrtle Beach's landscape includes trees that are particularly worth protecting during drought stress. Live oak (Quercus virginiana), a coastal South Carolina signature tree, requires deep, infrequent watering — a slow drip at the drip line for several hours is more effective than overhead spray. Sabal palmetto, South Carolina's state tree and common throughout the Grand Strand, is moderately drought-tolerant once established but benefits from deep watering during severe drought. Loblolly pine, prevalent in the inland edges of Horry County neighborhoods, can suffer from drought-induced bark beetle vulnerability and should be prioritized with any available irrigation allowance.

Penalty schedule for water violations

Because GSWSA has not issued a mandatory restriction order as of April 2026, there is currently no fine structure in place for outdoor watering violations. Enforcement mechanisms only activate when GSWSA formally declares a mandatory conservation stage. At that point, GSWSA has historically used a combination of customer complaint reports and field inspections by utility personnel to identify violations along the Grand Strand. GSWSA's smart meter infrastructure, which has been expanding in Horry County, allows the utility to monitor unusual consumption spikes that may indicate excessive or prohibited irrigation — particularly for accounts that show high usage during restricted hours.

If mandatory restrictions are declared and you believe a violation notice was issued in error, GSWSA accepts appeals through its customer service office at 843-347-4641. Response times for complaint-based reports typically run within a few business days, though patrol frequency increases during declared drought emergencies. Keeping your irrigation controller settings documented — days, start times, run times — is advisable if conditions escalate.

Other outdoor water rules

Even under voluntary guidelines, GSWSA encourages customers across the Grand Strand to review all outdoor water uses beyond lawn irrigation. The following activities carry specific guidance or are likely to face restriction if GSWSA escalates to a mandatory phase.

• Pool filling and top-off: Myrtle Beach's high evaporation rate during summer months makes pool water loss a significant contributor to household water demand. GSWSA asks customers to use pool covers to reduce evaporation and to limit pool filling to off-peak hours.
• Car washing: Voluntary guidelines ask residents to use a shut-off nozzle if washing at home, or to patronize commercial car washes that recycle water. Runoff onto streets and storm drains is also subject to Myrtle Beach city stormwater rules.
• Pressure washing: No current restriction, but GSWSA asks customers to minimize use during the drought advisory period. Use of a trigger nozzle is strongly encouraged.
• Ornamental fountains and water features: Encouraged to be turned off or to use recirculating pumps. Non-recirculating decorative water features draw continuous supply and are likely to be restricted under a mandatory order.
• Construction and dust control: Commercial construction water use on GSWSA-served sites is expected to comply with any mandatory stage rules if declared; dust suppression with potable water is a targeted restriction category.
• Restaurant outdoor rinsing: GSWSA guidance asks food service operations to avoid hosing down outdoor patios and sidewalks with potable water during drought advisory periods.

Where Myrtle Beach's water comes from

Myrtle Beach's drinking water is supplied by the Grand Strand Water & Sewer Authority, which draws its primary raw water supply from the Pee Dee River via an intake in Horry County. The Pee Dee River, a major South Carolina waterway that drains a large portion of the Carolinas' interior, feeds GSWSA's regional system and is the backbone of potable water supply for the entire Grand Strand — from Myrtle Beach south through Surfside Beach and north toward North Myrtle Beach.

GSWSA operates the Grainger Water Treatment Plant in Conway, South Carolina, which processes raw Pee Dee River water into finished drinking water distributed throughout the service area. The plant uses conventional treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection before water enters the distribution network that serves Myrtle Beach customers.

The Grand Strand does not rely on a significant local aquifer for its primary municipal supply in the way that, say, coastal Georgia cities draw from the Floridan aquifer system. However, the Black Creek aquifer and other shallow coastal plain aquifers underlie the region and contribute to some private well use in surrounding Horry County areas outside GSWSA's service boundary.

The current severe drought has reduced flow and increased the concentration of naturally occurring compounds in the Pee Dee River, requiring additional treatment attention at the Grainger plant. Lower river flows also mean that each gallon drawn for municipal use represents a larger percentage of available flow — which is a direct driver of GSWSA's conservation advisory. Sandy coastal soils throughout the Grand Strand offer minimal natural water retention, meaning the region has little buffer during prolonged rainfall deficits. Every gallon conserved by GSWSA customers directly reduces stress on the Pee Dee River system.

Can your HOA fine you for a brown lawn?

South Carolina does not have a specific statute that explicitly prohibits HOAs from fining homeowners for brown lawns or dormant grass during a declared drought or water restriction period, unlike states such as Florida (FS § 720.3075) or California (Gov Code § 65595). South Carolina's HOA governance falls primarily under the South Carolina Homeowners Association Act (SC Code § 27-30-10 et seq.), which governs disclosure and dispute processes but does not include an explicit drought/brown lawn carve-out.

That said, homeowners facing HOA pressure over lawn appearance during GSWSA's drought advisory have practical leverage. GSWSA's publicly issued conservation advisory, combined with the documented severe drought conditions across the Grand Strand, provides strong grounds to request a temporary compliance waiver from your HOA board. Most HOA governing documents include a force majeure or hardship clause, and the current drought advisory qualifies. Document your irrigation compliance with photos and controller logs.

Use the following template if your HOA issues a violation notice regarding lawn appearance:

"I am writing in response to the violation notice dated [date] regarding lawn appearance at [address]. The Grand Strand Water & Sewer Authority has issued an active drought conservation advisory, and 97% of South Carolina is currently experiencing drought conditions. I am complying with GSWSA's voluntary conservation guidelines by limiting irrigation to 2 days per week. I respectfully request a temporary waiver of lawn appearance standards for the duration of the GSWSA drought advisory. I am prepared to provide irrigation records and the current GSWSA advisory notice as supporting documentation."

How to manage your lawn during drought

Myrtle Beach's warm, humid coastal climate supports warm-season turfgrasses. The following table covers the grasses you are actually likely to have in your Grand Strand yard.

Myrtle Beach's coastal climate means that even in spring and fall, temperatures stay warm enough that warm-season grasses remain actively growing longer than they would in inland South Carolina. During the current severe drought, raise your mower deck: cutting St. Augustine at 3.5–4 inches and Bermuda at 1.5–2 inches shades the soil and reduces moisture loss from the root zone. Avoid fertilizing during active drought stress — nitrogen pushes top growth that the root system cannot sustain when water is limited, and it increases your lawn's water demand at exactly the wrong time.

Horry County's sandy coastal soils drain so quickly that even a compliant 2-day watering schedule may leave grass stressed if the irrigation isn't deep enough. When you do water within GSWSA's recommended windows, water slowly and deeply — aim for 0.5 to 1 inch per session rather than frequent shallow runs. A simple tuna can placed in the irrigation zone will tell you when you've hit your target. Avoid watering after recent rainfall; a smart controller with a rain sensor is one of the most effective tools for avoiding unnecessary water use on the Grand Strand.

Questions residents are asking

Can I water my lawn any day I want right now in Myrtle Beach?

Yes — under the current voluntary conservation advisory issued by GSWSA, there are no mandatory day restrictions. However, GSWSA strongly recommends limiting watering to 2 days per week and avoiding irrigation between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Watering on a Wednesday or any other day is not a finable offense at this time, but the authority has the power to escalate to mandatory restrictions if drought conditions worsen.

What happens if GSWSA declares mandatory restrictions — when would fines start?

If GSWSA moves from voluntary to mandatory conservation, fines and enforcement would activate immediately upon the effective date of the mandatory order. GSWSA would announce the change via its website at gswsa.com and through local media. At that point, watering outside permitted days and hours would be subject to violation notices. Call 843-347-4641 to confirm the current phase before making any changes to your irrigation schedule.

Does GSWSA use smart meters to catch irrigation violations?

GSWSA has been deploying advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) across Horry County, which allows the utility to monitor water consumption data remotely and in near-real-time. This means unusual usage spikes — particularly during restricted hours — can be flagged without a field inspector physically driving past your property. While smart meter data is primarily used for billing accuracy and leak detection, it is available as an enforcement tool if GSWSA activates mandatory restrictions.

Can I fill or top off my pool during the drought advisory?

Under the current voluntary phase, pool filling is not prohibited. GSWSA asks customers to minimize unnecessary water use, and topping off rather than full fills is the appropriate approach. Use a pool cover to reduce evaporation — Myrtle Beach's warm temperatures and frequent onshore winds accelerate pool water loss significantly during summer months. If GSWSA moves to mandatory restrictions, pool filling is often among the first non-essential uses to be limited or prohibited.

My St. Augustine lawn is turning brown. Is it dead or just dormant?

St. Augustine can go dormant and brown under drought stress, but it is more sensitive than Bermuda or Zoysia — extended drought without any irrigation can kill the crowns rather than just triggering dormancy. During Myrtle Beach's current severe drought conditions, if your St. Augustine has not received rain or irrigation in several weeks and is turning brown from the crown down rather than just losing color in the blades, check the stolons. Green, pliable stolons indicate dormancy and likely recovery; dry, brittle, gray stolons suggest crown damage. Contact your local Horry County Clemson Extension office for an on-site assessment if you are unsure.

Are there any rebates available from GSWSA for water-efficient upgrades?

GSWSA has periodically offered or promoted rebate and incentive programs for water-efficient irrigation controllers, rain sensors, and related equipment. Program availability and amounts vary by year and drought conditions — check gswsa.com or call 843-347-4641 directly to ask about any current rebate offerings. Horry County's conservation advisory period is typically when utilities promote these programs most actively.

Does the drought advisory apply to North Myrtle Beach and Surfside Beach as well?

The GSWSA service area covers a large portion of the Grand Strand, including areas served to North Myrtle Beach and other Horry County communities. However, some municipalities along the Grand Strand have their own separate utility systems or contracts. If you are unsure whether your address is on GSWSA service, your water bill will identify the billing authority. North Myrtle Beach, for example, has its own utility department in some service zones. Contact GSWSA at 843-347-4641 to confirm whether your specific address falls under their advisory.

Can I use a soaker hose or drip irrigation on any day during the advisory?

Yes. Drip irrigation and soaker hoses are exempt from the 2-day-per-week recommendation under GSWSA's voluntary guidelines. These methods deliver water directly to root zones with minimal evaporative loss — exactly what GSWSA wants to encourage during a drought advisory. This exemption is consistent with how most South Carolina utilities treat micro-irrigation during conservation periods. If GSWSA escalates to mandatory restrictions, confirm that drip exemptions remain in effect under the specific mandatory order language, as terms can vary between restriction phases.

What days can I water my lawn in Myrtle Beach?

All addresses (voluntary): 2 days per week recommended Hand watering with a shut-off nozzle is typically allowed any day during permitted hours.

What time can I water in Myrtle Beach?

Watering is allowed Before 10:00 a.m. and After 6:00 p.m.. Watering outside these hours is a violation even on your assigned day.

What are the fines for watering violations in Myrtle Beach?

First offense: No mandatory fines — voluntary conservation. Repeat violations: Myrtle Beach has no active mandatory restrictions as of April 2026.. Contact Grand Strand Water & Sewer Authority for the full enforcement schedule.

When will water restrictions end in Myrtle Beach?

Current No active mandatory restrictions — voluntary conservation restrictions are in effect through Check GSWSA for current drought advisory status. Monitor https://www.gswsa.com for the latest status.

Can I hand water during Myrtle Beach water restrictions?

Yes. Hand watering with a hose fitted with a shut-off nozzle is generally allowed on any day during permitted hours. Drip irrigation and soaker hoses are also typically exempt from the day-of-week schedule. Confirm specifics with Grand Strand Water & Sewer Authority.

How do I report a water waste violation in Myrtle Beach?

Contact Grand Strand Water & Sewer Authority at 843-347-4641 or visit https://www.gswsa.com. Most utilities accept online reports and respond within 48 hours.