South Carolina Code of Regulations
Chapter 121 - DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
DROUGHT PLANNING RESPONSE
Section 121-11.8 - Drought Alert Phases

(1) Incipient drought alert phase, Palmer Drought Index of -0.50 to -1.49; Crop Moisture Index of 0.00 to -1.49; Standard Precipitation Index of 0.00 to -0.99; Keetch Byram Drought Index of 300 to 399; U.S. Drought Monitor of D0; Average daily streamflow is 111%-120% of the minimum flow for two consecutive weeks; Static water level in an aquifer is between 11 feet and 20 feet above trigger level for two consecutive months;

The incipient drought may be declared if any of the indices indicate an incipient drought, however, indication by one index alone does not mandate a declaration. The incipient drought phase shall initiate inhouse mobilization by department personnel and the Drought Response Committee. The department shall routinely monitor the climatic variables, streamflow, and water levels in potable drinking water supplies and water levels in the above and below ground water tables and lakes, and shall notify the Drought Response Committee and relevant federal, state, and local agencies that a portion of the State is experiencing an incipient drought condition.

(2) Moderate drought alert phase, Palmer Drought Index of -1.50 to -2.99; Crop Moisture Index of -1.50 to -2.99; Standard Precipitation Index of -1.00 to -1.49; Keetch Byram Drought Index of 400 to 499; U.S. Drought Monitor of D1; Average daily streamflow is 101%-110% of the minimum flow for two consecutive weeks; Static water level in an aquifer is between 1 feet and 10 feet above trigger level for two consecutive months;

A moderate drought may be declared if any of the indices indicate a moderate drought, however, indication by one index alone does not mandate a declaration. During a moderate drought, statements must be released to the news media by the department, and appropriate agencies must accelerate monitoring activities.

(3) Severe drought alert phase, Palmer Drought Index of -3.00 to -3.99; Crop Moisture Index of -3.00 to -3.99; Standard Precipitation Index of -1.50 to -1.99; Keetch Byram Drought Index of 500 to 699; U.S. Drought Monitor of D2; Average daily streamflow is between the minimum flow and 90% of the minimum for two consecutive weeks; Static water level in an aquifer is between the trigger level and 10 feet below for two consecutive months;

This phase must be verified utilizing data, forecasts, and outlooks from various agencies. Indication by one index alone does not mandate a declaration. A drought of this severity may require water withdrawal and water use restrictions.

(4) Extreme drought alert phase, Palmer Drought Index of -4.00 and below; Crop Moisture Index reaches or falls below -4.00; Standard Precipitation Index reaches or falls below -2.00 Keetch Byram Drought Index reaches or exceeds 700; U.S. Drought Monitor of D3 or higher; Average daily streamflow is less than 90% of the minimum for two consecutive weeks; Static water level in an aquifer is more than 10 feet below the trigger level for two consecutive months.

The department shall continue to evaluate information from various sources. Indication by one index alone does not mandate a declaration. Upon confirmation of an Extreme Drought Alert Phase, the Drought Response Committee may recommend that the Governor issue a public statement that an extreme drought situation exists and that appropriate water-use and withdrawal restrictions be imposed.