North Myrtle Beach Stormwater Ocean Outfall Program
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Have you ever wondered how North Myrtle Beach keeps its waters clean and our beaches beautiful? It is thanks to an innovative program called the Stormwater Ocean Outfall Program.
This project tackles two big challenges—improving water quality and reducing inland flooding—by moving stormwater discharge pipes farther offshore, about 1,200 feet from the shoreline.
Here’s How It Works:
When it rains, stormwater carries bacteria and other debris into the ocean. By relocating discharge points away from the beach and into deeper waters, the program significantly lowers bacteria levels in the surf zone, making the water safer for swimmers. Plus, those old pipes you have seen on the beach? They are being replaced with offshore systems that blend into the environment and work much better.
Why This Matters:
Cleaner Water: Offshore drainage reduces bacteria where people swim.
Less Flooding: Better inland drainage systems help keep streets and properties dry.
Stronger Beaches: The program protects our beach renourishment projects from stormwater damage.
A Better Beach Experience: No more exposed pipes on the sand—just a cleaner, safer beach for everyone.
Key Objectives
1. Flood Mitigation: The project aims to reduce flooding by efficiently channeling stormwater away from residential and commercial areas. This is achieved through the construction of large outfall pipes that direct runoff directly into the Atlantic Ocean.
2. Water Quality Improvement: By diverting stormwater away from local waterways and beaches, the project helps minimize the potential to transport pollutants such as sediments, nutrients, and bacteria. This is crucial for maintaining the water quality of the ocean and protecting marine ecosystems.
3. Infrastructure Improvement: The project involves installing new underground pipelines and related infrastructure capable of handling significant volumes of stormwater. This modernized system is designed to accommodate future urban growth and changing weather patterns.
What We Have Accomplished So Far:
Since 2002, the city has installed six ocean outfalls. The most recent outfall at 18th Avenue North was made possible with funding assistance from the state. We are improving the inland drainage system connecting near the outfall at 18th Avenue North with $7 million of additional funding from the South Carolina Office of Resilience.
What Is Next?
We are already working on the next outfall locations at 17th Avenue South and 29th Avenue South, with plans for six more in the future. And to make sure the program is as effective as possible; we have a continuous water quality monitoring system in place to research and document nearshore ocean water quality improvements resulting from the outfall installations.
North Myrtle Beach is proud to lead the way in keeping our coastline clean, safe, and beautiful. It is one more reason our beaches are a treasure for residents and visitors alike.
Have you ever wondered how North Myrtle Beach keeps its waters clean and our beaches beautiful? It is thanks to an innovative program called the Stormwater Ocean Outfall Program.
This project tackles two big challenges—improving water quality and reducing inland flooding—by moving stormwater discharge pipes farther offshore, about 1,200 feet from the shoreline.
Here’s How It Works:
When it rains, stormwater carries bacteria and other debris into the ocean. By relocating discharge points away from the beach and into deeper waters, the program significantly lowers bacteria levels in the surf zone, making the water safer for swimmers. Plus, those old pipes you have seen on the beach? They are being replaced with offshore systems that blend into the environment and work much better.
Why This Matters:
Cleaner Water: Offshore drainage reduces bacteria where people swim.
Less Flooding: Better inland drainage systems help keep streets and properties dry.
Stronger Beaches: The program protects our beach renourishment projects from stormwater damage.
A Better Beach Experience: No more exposed pipes on the sand—just a cleaner, safer beach for everyone.
Key Objectives
1. Flood Mitigation: The project aims to reduce flooding by efficiently channeling stormwater away from residential and commercial areas. This is achieved through the construction of large outfall pipes that direct runoff directly into the Atlantic Ocean.
2. Water Quality Improvement: By diverting stormwater away from local waterways and beaches, the project helps minimize the potential to transport pollutants such as sediments, nutrients, and bacteria. This is crucial for maintaining the water quality of the ocean and protecting marine ecosystems.
3. Infrastructure Improvement: The project involves installing new underground pipelines and related infrastructure capable of handling significant volumes of stormwater. This modernized system is designed to accommodate future urban growth and changing weather patterns.
What We Have Accomplished So Far:
Since 2002, the city has installed six ocean outfalls. The most recent outfall at 18th Avenue North was made possible with funding assistance from the state. We are improving the inland drainage system connecting near the outfall at 18th Avenue North with $7 million of additional funding from the South Carolina Office of Resilience.
What Is Next?
We are already working on the next outfall locations at 17th Avenue South and 29th Avenue South, with plans for six more in the future. And to make sure the program is as effective as possible; we have a continuous water quality monitoring system in place to research and document nearshore ocean water quality improvements resulting from the outfall installations.
North Myrtle Beach is proud to lead the way in keeping our coastline clean, safe, and beautiful. It is one more reason our beaches are a treasure for residents and visitors alike.
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The most recent project is located at 18th Avenue North and is the City’s 6th outfall project. The 18th Avenue Outfall Project is a significant component of the City's broader initiative to enhance stormwater management and improve environmental quality. The 18th Avenue North Ocean Outfall will collect stormwater from between 11th and 20th Avenues North. It will also help reduce flooding along 11th Avenue North, reduce the amount of stormwater that enters the marsh off Sea Mountain Highway, and reduce flooding that occurs on Ocean Boulevard between 18th and 20th Avenues North during heavy rain events.
North Myrtle Beach Stormwater Ocean Outfall Program has finished this stage
The ocean phase at 18th Avenue North was completed in July 2024 at a cost of $27 million.
Landward Phase
North Myrtle Beach Stormwater Ocean Outfall Program is currently at this stage
Construction of the landward phase, costing $7.5 million, began in December 2024, with completion anticipated in April 2025. The remaining project work is scheduled for completion by August 2025.
