Regional Infrastructure: Two Paths to Cleaner Water
Horry County, SC — Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach continue installing deep-water ocean outfalls that push stormwater more than 1,000 feet offshore, while Horry County is preparing a different strategy: placing manmade oyster reefs in swashes to naturally filter bacteria and sediment before it reaches the ocean.
The cities’ offshore systems are designed to improve drainage and reduce bacteria in the swim zone. Horry County’s reef plan uses recycled shells to build structures where oysters can grow and filter water, offering a lower-cost, habitat-friendly alternative in areas where outfalls aren’t practical.
Both efforts aim to strengthen coastal water quality as development and tourism increase pressure on stormwater systems. As these projects mature, they represent a permanent evolution in regional infrastructure—moving away from outdated drainage methods and toward a more sustainable, nature-integrated future for our local waterways.
Editor’s Note: This summary tracks ongoing municipal and county-led initiatives aimed at long-term regional water quality management.
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