The latest U.S. Drought Monitor data confirms a significant intensification of drought conditions across the coastal plain, with Horry County now falling under the D3 “Extreme Drought” classification.
Horry County, SC — Horry County has officially escalated to an “Extreme Drought” (D3) classification, a major shift that reflects the deepening aridity across the Grand Strand and the wider Pee Dee River Basin. This designation, the third most severe on the U.S. Drought Monitor scale, underscores the critical lack of soil moisture and the significant precipitation deficits that have plagued the region throughout early summer. With the county now categorized as D3, the impacts on agriculture, hydrology, and local water supplies are becoming increasingly pronounced.
The Grand Strand Water and Sewer Authority (GSWSA) continues to operate under its active Drought Management Plan, which was initiated on July 1. While the agency’s official messaging has prioritized “severe drought” terminology, the state and federal climatological data now confirm that the vast majority of the county is experiencing “Extreme” (D3) conditions. GSWSA is stressing the need for immediate, proactive participation from all customers to protect regional water reserves for essential needs and fire suppression requirements.
The temporary billing adjustments remain in effect as a conservation incentive: excess water usage charges are now triggered after 6,000 gallons of monthly consumption, a reduction from the standard 8,000-gallon threshold. Residents are strongly encouraged to limit non-essential water usage and to schedule any necessary outdoor irrigation strictly outside of the 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. high-evaporation window to maximize efficiency.
While there is no formal, county-wide outdoor burn ban for unincorporated Horry County, the transition to D3 Extreme Drought status heightens the risk of wildfire significantly. State law mandates that residents must notify the South Carolina Forestry Commission at 1-800-986-5404 before conducting any open burning. Given the volatility of current conditions, officials are urging extreme vigilance: any permitted fires must be fully supervised, placed a minimum of 50 feet from all structures or property lines, and avoided entirely during periods of high wind or low humidity.
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