Summer 2026

Stormwater's quarterly newsletter providing educational materials and seasonal reminders related to stormwater systems. Together we can protect water quality, reduce pollution, and keep our neighborhoods resilient.

Find more information at https://www.horrycountysc.gov/departments/stormwater/

Horry County Stormwater has launched an oyster shell recycling program. We are proud to announce two local restaurants have partnered with us to reduce waste and improve water quality. We are hoping many more follow their lead.

The program collects shells from partner restaurants to create new reefs in our local waters. The reefs create a habitat where young oysters can attach and grow.

Wire reefs have already been placed in Main Creek off Cypress Avenue along the Garden City marsh. The program will result in cleaner waterways, reduce erosion, and contribute to fresh local oyster harvests. Look for the Horry County Shell Recycling logo on the door of your favorite restaurant.

Interested restaurants can request more information by completing the oyster recycling form.

Stormwater's mission is to address issues related to drainage, water quality, sediment and erosion county wide.

A part of that mission is education and outreach within our community. Stormwater helps residents understand how everyday activities affect water quality.

Through a specific outreach for residential and HOA stormwater systems, focusing on training to manage, maintain, and protect water infrastructure.

The program offers workshops, site visits, along with technical assistance from local, state, or university extension experts. HOAs and residents can get expert advice on maintaining retention ponds, swales, and storm drains, and how to reduce pollution and flooding in their neighborhoods. You can request a workshop for your HOA using the  HOA registration form

Horry County, CCU partner to monitor water quality

Work to help mitigate flooding near Highway 90 in Longs is nearly complete.

This stormwater improvement project along Jones Road consists of replacing three 36-inch pipes beneath the road with two 6-foot wide by 5-foot tall box culverts.

These improvements are expected to enhance the area's resilience to flooding and improve drainage along Jones Road and near Highway 90 during major storm events.

While the bulk of the project is expected to wrap-up within the next week, the contractor will remain on-site to complete minor restoration items.



This is one of several projects funded by a South Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) grant awarded to Horry County Stormwater.

June 1 marked the start of the Official Atlantic Hurricane Season, now is the best time to inspect and clear your stormwater system. Yard debris, trash, and sediment can clog ditches and cause stormwater conveyance systems to fail. This in turn can lead to residential flooding.

Tips for Maintaining Ditches:

• Remove yard debris and litter especially before and after storms
• Do not fill or allow sediment to fill in ditches
• Do not burn debris in dry ditches
• Avoid driving or parking in dry ditches

To report issues with drainage contact the hotline at 843-381-8000. Remember to prepare before any storms are in our forecast, and take each predicted storm system seriously.

You can get preparation tips by viewing the Horry County Emergency Management page here: https://www.horrycountysc.gov/departments/emergency-management/

Hurricane season runs until November 30, 2026.

To report a drainage or water quality problem, please call the hotline: 843-381-8000.