Do Homes in Loris SC Have Well and Septic? What Buyers Should Check

Last updated October 2026

Who provides water and sewer around Loris?

It depends on whether the home sits inside the city limits. Loris is an incorporated city in Horry County. Much of the land around it is unincorporated county.

• City of Loris. The city runs a water utility. Call City Hall at 843-756-4004 to confirm service for an address. For after-hours water or sewer emergencies, the city says to call the same number and select option 2.
• Grand Strand Water & Sewer Authority (GSWSA). GSWSA runs a Rural Water Program and a Rural Sewer Program for people in unincorporated areas. Call 843-443-8200 or use the rural service form on its website to ask about a specific address.
• Private well and septic. Many rural properties are not connected to public lines. These homes depend on a private well and an onsite septic system.

One detail worth knowing: GSWSA says some rural water customers with fire protection have lowered their home fire insurance premiums. Ask your insurance agent if a hydrant near the home changes your quote.

How do I find out if a Loris home has a septic tank?

Start with the seller’s disclosure, then check state records.

South Carolina law requires most sellers to give a disclosure statement that covers the water supply and sanitary sewage disposal system. Some sales are exempt, including many estate sales, foreclosures, auctions, and new homes that have never been lived in. If there is no disclosure, ask the listing agent directly.

Septic permits in South Carolina are handled by the SC Department of Environmental Services (SC DES). DHEC split into two agencies on July 1, 2024, and SC DES is the new environmental agency. Older paperwork may still say DHEC.

To look for a permit:

• Contact your local SC DES office. Give the tax map number, lot and block numbers, address, and subdivision name.
• Submit an Onsite Wastewater System Application (D-1740) through the SC DES ePermitting Portal to request permit records.
• For older homes, or if no permit turns up, the agency suggests hiring a licensed septic contractor to find the system on site.

What should I ask about the septic system before I buy?

Ask for a septic inspection by a licensed contractor during your inspection period. The U.S. EPA’s guide for new homebuyers stresses getting a septic system inspected before you buy.

Questions to ask the seller and the contractor:

• Where exactly are the tank and drainfield?
• When was the tank last pumped, and is there a receipt?
• Has the system ever backed up or been repaired?
• Is there a permit on file, and does the home match it, such as the number of bedrooms?
• Are there plans to add a pool, garage, or addition that could sit over the drainfield?

If a system is failing, GSWSA says its Rural Sewer Program can help some homes with failing septic systems or land that is not suited for septic. Call to see if the address qualifies.

How do I test well water on a Loris home?

Order a lab test early in your inspection period. Private well owners are responsible for checking their own water, according to Clemson Cooperative Extension’s Home & Garden Information Center.

• SC DES kits. SC DES offers two sample kits, one for coliform bacteria and one for metals and minerals. You can get them from a local SC DES office or health department.
• Bacteria first. Clemson says the bacteria test is the most requested test and the main indicator of whether well water is fit to drink.
• Chemical test. The metals and minerals test includes nitrate and nitrite. Clemson suggests it when you notice taste, odor, or staining problems.
• Private labs. Certified commercial labs also test well water for a fee.

Ask the seller about the well’s age, depth, and any past repairs. Your home inspector can check the pump and pressure tank.

When should I check all of this?

Before your inspection period ends. Lab results and septic contractors can take time to schedule. If you wait, you may run out of days to negotiate repairs or walk away.

A simple order works well. Call the utility first to confirm what serves the home. Then request septic records. Book the septic inspection and well test in the first few days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the City of Loris provide water?

Yes. The City of Loris runs a water utility. Call City Hall at 843-756-4004 to confirm service for a specific address.

How do I get septic permit records for a home near Loris?

Contact your local SC DES office with the tax map number and address, or submit an Onsite Wastewater System Application (D-1740) through the SC DES ePermitting Portal.

Where can I get well water tested in Horry County?

SC DES offers sample kits for coliform bacteria and for metals and minerals through local SC DES offices and health departments. Certified private labs also test well water.

Can a home with a failing septic system connect to public sewer?

Sometimes. The GSWSA Rural Sewer Program serves some unincorporated areas. Call 843-443-8200 to ask about a specific address.

Related Reading

Loris SC Homes for Sale
Longs SC Homes for Sale and Area Guide
Moving to Horry County, SC: New Resident Guide
Little River SC Homes for Sale

This post is general information, not legal or environmental advice. Service areas and agency procedures change. Confirm utilities and records for the exact property with the provider, SC DES, and licensed inspectors.

DANIELLE KING, REALTOR®

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