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Inspecting a backflow prevention device.
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The Cross-Connection Control Department protects water quality
by identifying and eliminating cross connections, which allow the potential for backflow. A cross connection is the physical link of a
source of contamination with a potable water supply, and where
such a connection exists, a change in pressure in the distribution
system or residential water pipes may cause contaminated water
to backflow, or be "sucked" back into the public water system.
The Cross-Connection Control Department inspects all new
construction projects for compliance with backflow prevention
regulations and inspects existing service connections for proper backflow prevention. Charleston Water System has a robust
backflow prevention program which far exceeds regulatory
requirements, and is nationally recognized as a model for
cross connection management.
Related links
Backflow requirements
What is backflow?
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| Engineering & Construction |
Construction of a new 16-inch water main along Old Jacksonboro Road to serve Ravenel and Hollywood, 2008.
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Charleston Water System's Engineering and Construction Departments manages our Capital Improvement Program.
Staff engineers
are responsible for designing new projects such as water and sewer main extensions and replacement of plant infrastructure. The engineering and construction
staff also manages water and sewer requests for new construction,
and requires developers to meet specifications for water and
sewer
main construction.
Related links
Specifications for Developers and Contractors
Sewer Tunnel Replacement Project
Contact Engineering & Construction
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| Hanahan Water Treatment Plant |
The administration building at Charleston Water System's Hanahan Water Treatment Plant. |
The Hanahan Water Treatment Plant is the largest treatment plant in the state, providing the Greater Charleston area with clean, safe drinking water. The plant is located on a 60-acre site on the banks of the Goose Creek Reservoir in Hanahan, which served as Charleston Water System's primary source of raw drinking water for most of the 1900s. The plant now treats water taken from the Edisto River and the Bushy Park Reservoir. The plant site was founded in 1902, and although the site has been upgraded with new technology and equipment over the last century, the original pump buildings still house plant operations.
The Hanahan Water Treatment Plant has earned numerous awards for excellence, including:
- 2008 Director's Award for the Partnership
for
Safe Drinking Water
- SCDHEC's Area Wide Optimization Program (AWOP)
Award in 2007
- EPA Region IV's Excellence Award in 2002
The plant has a permitted capacity to produce 118 million gallons per
day (mgd), although the plant produces an average of 55 mgd.
The laboratory staff at the treatment plant tests more than 4,000 samples
each month, including samples from raw water sources, treated
water at the plant, and water in the distribution system to ensure
water quality.
Related links
Water treatment process schematic
Water Quality
Service area
Water rates
FAQ
History
Research
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The sedimentation basins allow the heaving particles of impurities settle out of the water. |
Charleston Water System's DHEC-certified laboratory runs thousands of samples each year to ensure our water is safe to drink. |
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| Water Distribution |
A crew opens a fire hydrant to flush a water main. |
Once treated, drinking water enters the Water Distribution System,
which consists of 1,600 miles of water mains.
The mains, storage
tanks, and pump stations in the distribution system deliver clean water to thousands of homes and businesses in the greater Charleston area. Charleston Water System also owns and maintains more than 8,300 fire hydrants, which not only provide fire protection, but are also used to flush water mains.
Water distribution crews are responsible for maintaining water lines
and completing minor extensions. Crews constantly flush water lines
to clear pipes of mineral deposits and test valves to ensure lines can
be isolated in the event of a main break or loss of system pressure.
After the installation of a new line or repair of an existing line, the pipe
is disinfected and flushed clean.
Related links
Water treatment process schematic
Water Quality
Service area
Water rates
FAQ
History
Research
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An crews prepares to inspect a sewer line using video camera technology. |
When wastewater leaves your home, it enters Charleston Water System's Wastewater Collection System, a complex system of pipes, pump stations, and tunnels that carry sewage to the Plum Island Wastewater Treatment Plant (and for Daniel Island residents, the
Daniel Island Wastewater Treatment Plant).
The collection system consists of 500 miles of sewer mains, some 180 pumping stations, 15 vortexes, and more than 8,500 manholes. Although the system dates back to the late 1880's, Charleston Water System has been operating and maintaining the system since the late 1960's.
Charleston Water System's wastewater service area includes the following municipalities: the Peninsula City, West Ashley, James Island, Johns Island, and Daniel Island. Charleston Water System also treats wastewater from the towns of Hollywood and Ravenel on a contract basis.
The Wastewater Collection Department operates five vactor trucks,
which are essentially large "wet vacuums," and three TV trucks that
are used for visual inspections of sewer lines. In addition, the wastewater department has three high-pressure cleaning trucks
and five construction crews that perform repairs and replacements
of mains, force mains, service laterals, and manholes.
Related links
Wastewater treatment schematic
Service area
FAQ
Sewer rates
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Inspecting a sewer line in the "TV truck." |
The vactor truck, used to clean out sewer manholes. |
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| Plum Island Wastewater Treatment Plant |
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The treatment of wastewater is necessary to protect the environment
and public health. Wastewater carries many of bacteria that are harmful to humans and wildlife; removal of these bacteria and other pollutants requires a two-step process: primary treatment and secondary treatment.
Related links
Wastewater treatment schematic
Service area
FAQ
Sewer rates
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| Daniel Island Wastewater Treatment Plant |
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The Daniel Island Wastewater Treatment plant is Charleston Water's second, smaller facility that treats wastewater from Daniel Island, Thomas Island, and the Cainhoy Peninsula.
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About Charleston Water System>Operational Departments |
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