South Carolina, including Spartanburg County, is currently experiencing a “severe” drought designation due to an extended period of below-average rainfall, combined with persistent warm temperatures and increased water demand. Over time, these conditions reduce stream flows, reservoir levels, and groundwater recharge.

While occasional rain events may occur, drought conditions develop over weeks and months — not just days — and it takes sustained rainfall over a long period to fully recover.

Several factors are contributing to current drought conditions across South Carolina:

• Below-average rainfall: The region has experienced a prolonged rainfall deficit.
• Higher temperatures: Warm weather increases evaporation from lakes, rivers, soil, and landscaping.
• Reduced stream and river flows: Less rainfall means less water flowing into rivers, reservoirs, and other water sources.

Together, these conditions place stress on regional water supplies and natural ecosystems.

No. Spartanburg Water continues to provide safe, reliable drinking water to our customers, and there is currently no immediate threat to public water availability.

However, drought conditions can place additional strain on water resources over time especially going into warmer times of the year where increased outdoor water use for irrigation, lawns and other outdoor uses increase significantly. Voluntary conservation measures help reduce unnecessary demand, protect water supplies, and ensure long-term system reliability if dry conditions persist.

Voluntary conservation is a proactive step designed to:

• Reduce unnecessary water use.
• Protect regional water resources.
• Maintain reservoir and river levels.
• Support firefighting and emergency preparedness.
• Help avoid mandatory restrictions later if drought conditions worsen.

When communities conserve early, it helps preserve water supplies for essential uses and reduces stress on the system.

Customers are asked to limit the irrigation of lawns and other vegetation on private and public property between the hours of 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. to reduce evaporation, on the following schedule:

• • Customers that have street addresses, box numbers or rural route numbers ending in 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 or the letters A through M and locations without addresses should use outdoor water only on Thursday and Sunday.
  • Customers that have street addresses, box numbers, or rural route numbers ending in 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 or the letters N through Z should use outdoor water only on Wednesday and Saturday.

In addition to a reduction in outside irrigation, we are strongly encouraging customers to:

• Inspect for and repair all leaking toilets, faucets and pipes.
• Take short showers rather than baths.
• Install water-saving shower heads or flow restriction devices.
• Turn off the water when shaving or brushing teeth.
• Use dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads.
• Refrain from washing down areas such as driveways, gutters, and sidewalks.
• Refrain from washing down buildings or structures for purposes other than immediate fire protection.
• Reduce washing of vehicles, boats, etc., and use an automatic shut-off hose nozzle.
• Refrain from using water to maintain fountains or other decorative water bodies unless necessary to sustain aquatic life.
• Serve customers water only if requested in food and dining establishments.
• Reduce the irrigation of golf courses and grounds.

At this time, Spartanburg Water is issuing voluntary conservation measures only. If drought conditions worsen significantly or water supplies become strained, additional restrictions could be considered in coordination with state and regional agencies. Customers would be notified immediately if conditions change.

Drought can reduce stream flows and storage supplies in reservoirs. Lower water levels can also affect water quality, aquatic habitats, and recreational activities.

Spartanburg Water closely monitors these conditions and adjusts our operations as needed to continue providing safe drinking water.

Yes. Spartanburg Water continues to meet or exceed all state and federal drinking water standards. Water quality remains safe and reliable.

Drought conditions do not change our commitment to delivering high-quality drinking water to customers.

It is difficult to predict exactly how long drought conditions will continue. Drought recovery depends on:

• Sustained rainfall over an extended period.
• Seasonal weather patterns.
• Soil moisture recovery.
• Stream and reservoir replenishment.

A single heavy rain event is typically not enough to eliminate drought conditions entirely.

The most effective way our customers can help is by using water wisely and avoiding unnecessary outdoor water use.

Conservation efforts from homes, businesses, and industries across the community can significantly reduce overall demand and help preserve water resources during dry conditions.

Customers can monitor statewide drought conditions through:

• The South Carolina Drought Response Committee
• The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
• The U.S. Drought Monitor

Spartanburg Water will also continue providing updates through our website and social media channels as conditions evolve.