S.C. Code Ann. § 5-31-1120

It shall be unlawful for any person to interfere or tamper with any of the property or appurtenances belonging to a municipality or controlled by the commissioners of public works or other body charged with the duties of commissioners of public works in municipalities which have no such commissioners in connection with the waterworks system or to turn on or off the supply of water to any premises at and with the curb cock, without first having obtained the proper permit so to do from the authorized representatives of such municipality or the commissioners of public works or other such body.