Voluntary Water Cuts to Offset Peak Weekend Tourism Strain; NMB

June 6, 2026 BC News Staff Horry County, News 1

An outdoor spigot turned off as Horry County residents follow voluntary conservation schedules during a severe regional drought.

By BC News Staff Writer

NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, SC — Local public utilities are urging Grand Strand residents and property managers to immediately adjust automated lawn sprinkler systems this weekend following a formal municipal request for voluntary water conservation.

While mandatory restrictions and fines are not currently in place, officials stated Saturday that uniform community cooperation is essential to keep local system pressures stable during the current summer tourist surge and prevent mandatory cuts later this season.

The South Carolina Drought Response Committee currently classifies Horry County under a “Severe Drought” designation following near-record-low groundwater levels and an intense rainfall deficit across the coastal plain. To offset the heavy load placed on infrastructure by automated irrigation, the city is asking water customers to strictly adhere to the following regional schedule:

Mondays: Completely eliminate all outdoor landscape and lawn irrigation.
Daily Peak Hours: Cease all outdoor watering between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. to protect water pressure during peak indoor residential usage.
Odd-Numbered Addresses: Limit necessary outdoor watering to Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
Even-Numbered Addresses: Limit necessary outdoor watering to Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

Residents are also asked to temporarily suspend non-essential outdoor washing, including hosing down driveways, sidewalks, and building exteriors.