Drought risk in South Carolina

Drought in South Carolina: a wet state with a dry history

South Carolina receives roughly 48 to 50 inches of rain in an average year, yet it has a long record of serious, multi-year droughts. The issue is timing: long stretches of hot, dry weather in summer and fall can drain rivers, reservoirs and soil moisture even in a state that gets plenty of rain overall.

The state's most notable droughts have lasted years rather than weeks. The drought of 1998–2002 affected much of the Southeast, and the 2007–2009 drought drew down reservoirs including Lake Hartwell and Lake Thurmond and prompted tight water restrictions. In the fall of 2016, severe drought returned to the Upstate along with a difficult wildfire season.

Conditions are measured every week by the U.S. Drought Monitor, a joint federal effort. In South Carolina, response is organized under the Drought Response Act, which lets a Drought Response Committee declare four levels — incipient, moderate, severe and extreme — each carrying water-conservation expectations for utilities, agriculture and the public. The South Carolina Emergency Management Division coordinates with state and local partners when drought raises other hazards, such as wildfire.

Where drought hits hardest. The Upstate — Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson, Pickens and Oconee counties — usually feels it first. That region sits at the top of the state's river basins, so it depends on rain that falls locally rather than water flowing in from upstream, and its reservoirs and smaller streams can drop quickly in a hot, dry summer. The Midlands, including Columbia, Lexington and Aiken, is also vulnerable: soils there are high in clay, which dries and hardens fast, and growing population and irrigation demand put pressure on local supplies. The Pee Dee and Lowcountry see serious drought less often, but coastal communities that draw on groundwater can face saltwater intrusion when freshwater levels fall.

Drought commonly builds from late spring into fall, when heat and evaporation outpace rainfall, and October is often a dry month statewide. The state normally recharges during winter and early spring rains; when that recharge is missing, the following summer can slip into drought quickly.

How it affects homes

Drought rarely damages a house in one dramatic event. It works slowly, and much of the damage shows up in the soil around the home.

• Foundation and soil movement. The clay soils common in the Piedmont and Midlands shrink as they dry and swell when wet again. That cycle can crack brick veneer, drywall and tile, and make doors and windows stick.
• Buried lines. Shifting soil can stress water, sewer and gas lines, and dry conditions can contribute to breaks in aging municipal water mains.
• Private wells. Many rural homes depend on wells. When the water table drops, wells can run low or dry, and deepening or replacing one is expensive.
• Landscaping and trees. Lawns, shrubs and mature trees can be lost. Dead or weakened trees become a hazard in the next storm and add fuel for wildfire.
• Fire danger. Severe drought often brings burn bans and elevated wildfire risk, especially in the Upstate and in neighborhoods near wildland areas.
• Water restrictions. Utilities, and sometimes homeowners associations, limit outdoor watering during declared drought levels.

Insurance considerations. A standard homeowners policy does not treat drought as a covered peril. Most policies also exclude damage from earth movement and settlement, so cracking caused by shrinking soil is often not covered and may be treated as a maintenance issue. Wildfire damage is generally covered under the fire peril, but limits and deductibles vary by insurer and location. Ask your agent how your policy handles foundation movement, wells and wildfire, and photograph your home's condition before a drought so you have a dated baseline if you ever file a claim.

How to prepare your home

Most drought preparation at home comes down to using water wisely and keeping the soil around your foundation stable.

1. Find and fix leaks. Check your water meter when nothing is running; a worn toilet flapper or dripping faucet can waste thousands of gallons a year. EPA WaterSense offers step-by-step help.
2. Upgrade fixtures and appliances. WaterSense-labeled toilets, showerheads and irrigation controllers cut water use indoors and out.
3. Replant with drought-tolerant landscaping. Choose native and drought-tolerant plants, group them by water need, mulch heavily to hold moisture, and water deeply and less often to encourage deeper roots.
4. Protect the foundation. During long dry spells, run a soaker hose around the perimeter so soil does not shrink away from the foundation, and keep gutters and downspouts clear.
5. Watch the warning signs. Photograph new cracks, note sticking doors and windows, and have a structural engineer assess anything that grows quickly.
6. Capture rainwater. Rain barrels and cisterns can supply garden water between storms; check local ordinances first.
7. Plan your water source. Well owners should track water levels and budget for conservation or a deeper well. Federal emergency guidance recommends storing at least one gallon of drinking water per person per day for several days.
8. Reduce wildfire risk. Clear dead vegetation and leaf litter from around the house and out of gutters, prune trees away from the roofline, and follow burn bans.
9. Follow official drought levels. Watch state and utility announcements and adjust outdoor watering accordingly.

Frequently asked questions

Does homeowners insurance cover drought damage in South Carolina?

Usually not directly. Drought is not a covered peril, and most homeowners policies exclude damage from earth movement and settlement, which is how shrinking clay soil typically cracks a foundation. Wildfire damage is generally covered under the fire peril, so review your policy terms, deductibles and limits with your agent.

Which parts of South Carolina are most at risk from drought?

The Upstate — including Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson and Pickens counties — is typically the most exposed because it depends on local rainfall at the top of the state's river basins. The Midlands around Columbia, Lexington and Aiken is also vulnerable because of clay soils and high water demand, and coastal groundwater users can face saltwater intrusion when freshwater levels drop.

What do South Carolina's drought response levels mean for homeowners?

Under the state's Drought Response Act, a Drought Response Committee can declare incipient, moderate, severe or extreme drought. As the level rises, utilities, industries and the public are asked to conserve more water, and outdoor watering restrictions become more common, so follow your local utility's guidance.

Official resources

• South Carolina Emergency Management Division — state emergency information and preparedness guidance.
• U.S. Drought Monitor — weekly national and state drought maps.
• Drought.gov — federal drought data, outlooks and conditions by state.
• EPA WaterSense — water-saving tips, products and leak-detection help.