York County, South Carolina, has escalated its response to the ongoing drought by implementing mandatory water-use restrictions. Starting on May 5, 2026, the county has moved to Stage 2 of its water-conservation plan, enforcing limits on water usage to protect drinking water and maintain adequate supplies for fire protection across the region.
New Watering Restrictions
The new rules include restrictions on outdoor watering, which are now limited to two days a week. Residents and businesses with odd-numbered addresses can water their lawns on Tuesday and Saturday, while even-numbered addresses are limited to Wednesday and Sunday. Watering must take place overnight, between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m., to minimize evaporation and ensure efficient water use.
Different Rules for Different Areas
The water-use rules vary slightly depending on where you live within York County. For example:
- City of York: Watering is allowed only between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m., and customers are encouraged to limit household use to 300 gallons per day.
- Fort Mill: The town has authorized enforcement of mandatory water conservation under town code, with fines possible for violations.
- Clover: Local officials have signaled mandatory water cutbacks and fines for noncompliance.
Reasons for the Restrictions
The move follows a declaration by the Catawba-Wateree Drought Management Advisory Group, which moved the region into Stage 2 of the Low Inflow Protocol due to “extreme” and “exceptional” drought conditions. The goal is to reduce water consumption by 5-10% to prevent more severe restrictions later in the summer.
How to Conserve Water
Residents are advised to use low-volume drip irrigation or handheld hoses, avoid washing driveways or sidewalks, and refrain from filling pools. Commercial car washes that recycle water are recommended. For more details on the restrictions and violations, residents are encouraged to contact their local utilities or York County Utilities.
Officials are closely monitoring water levels and will adjust restrictions as needed to ensure continued access to water throughout the drought. By adhering to these guidelines now, the community can help avoid stricter Stage 3 or Stage 4 water restrictions in the coming months.
