The City of Myrtle Beach is asking residents and businesses to help conserve water after state officials declared a severe drought for the Pee Dee River Basin, which includes Horry County. Conserving water now will help protect the region’s water supply and ensure adequate water is available for essential needs and fire protection.

Understanding the Impact of Severe Drought

The City of Myrtle Beach receives its drinking water from the Grand Strand Water and Sewer Authority (GSWSA) and follows the authority’s drought management guidance.

The South Carolina State Climatology Office and the South Carolina Drought Response Committee have declared severe drought conditions for the region. In response, GSWSA will temporarily activate its Drought Management Plan beginning Wednesday, July 1, to help ensure a reliable water supply and maintain adequate fire protection throughout its service area.

Clarification: While GSWSA’s Drought Management Plan includes changes to excess water usage charges for many of its customers, those changes do not apply to City of Myrtle Beach water customers at this time. The City of Myrtle Beach is a wholesale customer of GSWSA, and city water rates are established annually through the city’s budget process. As a result, Myrtle Beach customers will not see any changes to their water rates or excess usage charges because of GSWSA’s temporary drought measures at this time.

However, the City of Myrtle Beach asks all water customers to do their part by reducing or eliminating non-essential water use. GSWSA advises residents who irrigate their lawns to do so only before 6:00 a.m. or after 9:00 a.m.

Simple conservation measures can make a meaningful difference, including:

• Water lawns only before 6:00 a.m. or after 9:00 a.m., and only when necessary.
• Turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth or shaving.
• Run dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads.
• Repair leaking faucets, toilets and irrigation systems.
• Use a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways and sidewalks.
• Wash vehicles only when necessary and use a hose equipped with a shutoff nozzle.

For additional water conservation tips and information about GSWSA’s Smart Irrigation Program, visit www.gswsa.com/community.cfm?page=35