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How the Grand Strand Water & Sewer Authority Serves Myrtle Beach and Horry County

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

What the Grand Strand Water & Sewer Authority does

The Grand Strand Water & Sewer Authority (GSWSA) is a public utility that treats and delivers drinking water to roughly 300,000 people across Horry County and the Myrtle Beach area. The authority also operates wastewater collection and treatment systems that serve the same region. If you live or work in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach, or unincorporated Horry County, GSWSA is likely your water and sewer provider.

The authority operates three water treatment plants and multiple wastewater treatment facilities. Its service territory stretches from the Atlantic coast inland through Horry County, covering both residential neighborhoods and commercial districts. GSWSA is governed by a board of directors and operates as a self-supporting utility, meaning it funds operations through customer water and sewer bills rather than tax revenue.

Key Takeaways

  • GSWSA provides drinking water and wastewater services to about 300,000 people across Horry County and the Myrtle Beach area.
  • You can contact GSWSA directly to start service, report problems, or ask about your water quality through their customer service line or website.
  • The authority publishes an annual water quality report (called a Consumer Confidence Report) that details where your water comes from and what it contains.
  • GSWSA operates three water treatment plants that process water from the Waccamaw River, Intracoastal Waterway, and groundwater sources.

How to contact GSWSA for service or questions

To start water and sewer service, report a leak, pay a bill, or ask about water quality, contact GSWSA's customer service department. You can reach them by phone at 843-626-7800 during business hours, or visit their office at 4001 Mr. Joe White Avenue in Myrtle Beach. The authority also maintains a website where you can find billing information, service requests, and educational materials about water conservation.

If you experience a water emergency—such as a main break, loss of pressure, or contamination concern—call the same number. GSWSA has an after-hours emergency line for urgent issues. For billing questions or to set up automatic payments, you can also handle many tasks online through their customer portal.

Where GSWSA gets your drinking water

GSWSA draws water from three main sources: the Waccamaw River, the Intracoastal Waterway, and groundwater aquifers. The authority operates treatment plants at each source to remove sediment, bacteria, and other contaminants before the water reaches your tap. The largest treatment plant, located on the Waccamaw River, supplies the majority of the region's drinking water.

The Waccamaw River source is particularly important during dry seasons when rainfall is low, because groundwater and the Intracoastal Waterway alone cannot meet peak demand. GSWSA monitors water levels and quality at all three sources year-round and adjusts which plants are operating based on seasonal needs and water availability.

Understanding your water quality report

GSWSA publishes a Consumer Confidence Report every year that shows what is in your tap water. This report lists the source of your water, the treatment methods used, and the results of testing for bacteria, chemicals, and other substances. The report compares GSWSA's results to federal drinking water standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

You can request a printed copy of the report by calling customer service or download it from the GSWSA website. The report is written in plain language and includes explanations of technical terms. If you have concerns about specific contaminants or want to know more about how GSWSA treats water, the report is the best starting point, and you can follow up with customer service for additional detail.

How GSWSA treats wastewater

When you flush a toilet or drain water from your sink, it flows through underground pipes to one of GSWSA's wastewater treatment facilities. The authority operates multiple treatment plants across Horry County that remove solids, bacteria, and other pollutants before returning the treated water to local waterways or using it for irrigation.

GSWSA's wastewater system also includes collection lines, pump stations, and storage tanks that manage flow during heavy rain. The authority regularly maintains and upgrades these systems to prevent overflows and protect water quality in the Waccamaw River, Intracoastal Waterway, and coastal areas.

Water conservation and billing

GSWSA encourages customers to conserve water through education and tiered billing rates. The authority's website includes tips for reducing water use at home and in businesses, such as fixing leaks, installing efficient fixtures, and adjusting irrigation schedules. During drought conditions, GSWSA may issue conservation notices asking customers to reduce non-essential water use.

Your water bill reflects both the amount of water you use and the wastewater treatment costs. GSWSA offers budget billing options that spread costs evenly across the year, which can help with planning. If you believe your bill is incorrect or unusually high, contact customer service to discuss possible causes—often a hidden leak or a change in usage pattern.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my tap water safe to drink?

GSWSA treats all drinking water to meet or exceed EPA standards and tests it regularly for bacteria and chemicals. The annual Consumer Confidence Report shows the results of this testing. If you have specific health concerns or notice a change in taste, color, or odor, contact GSWSA customer service to report it and ask about testing.

What should I do if I smell chlorine in my water?

Chlorine is added to drinking water as a disinfectant to kill bacteria and keep water safe during delivery. A mild chlorine smell is normal and does not indicate a problem. If the smell is very strong or accompanied by other changes, call GSWSA to report it.

How do I report a water main break or leak?

Call GSWSA customer service at 843-626-7800 immediately. If it is after hours, use the emergency line. Provide your location and describe what you see—water pooling in the street, low pressure, or discolored water. GSWSA will dispatch a crew to investigate and repair the problem.

Can I get a copy of my water quality report online?

Yes. Visit the GSWSA website and look for the Consumer Confidence Report or water quality information section. You can also request a printed copy by calling customer service or visiting their office in Myrtle Beach.

What happens if I cannot pay my water bill?

Contact GSWSA customer service to discuss your situation. The authority may offer payment plans or direct you to local assistance programs. Do not ignore the bill, as service can be disconnected for non-payment, but GSWSA works with customers to find solutions when possible.