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

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A.
			 Four phases of drought alert are established herein, each identified by drought
			 indices. Declines in streamflow or aquifer levels that are not associated with
			 drought shall not be used for declaration of drought alert phases. Drought
			 stage evaluation as indicated by quantified indices includes, but is not
			 limited to:
(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.