How do I open an account or ask questions about my account?
How do I report an emergency?
How do I request new water or wastewater service at a property that is not already connected to the system?
Once I have applied for new service at a property that is
not already connected to the system, when can I expect
service to be installed?
Why is my bill so high?
Why is my sewer bill higher than my water bill?
What is sewage or wastewater?
How is the residential sewer bill calculated?
Does Charleston Water System make a profit?
Does Charleston Water System supply water and
wastewater service to other areas?
Where does Charleston Water System water come from?
Charleston has a reliable water supply, so why should I conserve?
Sometimes I get flyers for non-profit organizations in my bill. Why are these included and how can I find out more information?
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How do I open an account or ask questions about my account?
Call Charleston Water System's Customer Service Department
at (843) 727-6800 on weekdays between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm,
stop by any of our branch offices, or register for online bill payment. Customer Service page
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How do I report an emergency?
To report a water meter leak, water main break, fire hydrant
leak, or clogged or overflowing wastewater main, call (843) 727-6800.
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How do I request new water or wastewater service at a property that is not already connected to the system?
Contact Charleston Water System's New Service Coordinator
at (843) 727-6843 or (843) 727-6829.
Learn more about new water/sewer connections
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Once I have applied for new service at a property that is
not already connected to the system, when can I expect
service to be installed?
Once all fees have been paid in full, the service will typically be installed withing two to four weeks.
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Why is my bill so high?
Your bill is based on the amount of water that passes through
your meter. Whether you're using your washing machine,
washing your car or watering your lawn, you will be billed for
both water and sewer, so it is important to use water wisely!
Charleston Water System operates using revenue from water
and sewer rates, which are established using industry standards. Operation and maintenance of the water and sewer system and capital improvements needed to keep up with demand and
new regulatory requirements add to the cost of providing water
and sewer service.
Learn more about our water and sewer rates
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Why is my sewer bill higher than my water bill?
In order to protect the environment and comply with regulations, Charleston Water treats wastewater before returning it to the Charleston Harbor. Not only is wastewater is costly to treat,
but it is also costly to transport. Charleston Water System has
a large number of wastewater pump stations and force mains,
which must be operated and maintained and and therefore add
to the the cost of service.
The wastewater treatment process
Wastewater collection
Regulations
Learn more about rates and fees
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What is sewage or wastewater?
Sewage or wastewater is water that goes down
drains inside homes or businesses. The wastewater portion
of
your bill pays the costs associated with cleaning wastewater
and returning it to the environment. Storm water is collected in a separate drainage system operated by the City of Charleston
Public Service Department.. Charleston Water System acts as a billing
agent to collect storm water fees on water/sewer bills, but does
not operate the storm water system; all storm water fee revenue transferred to the City.
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How is the residential sewer bill calculated?
Because it is not cost effective to meter wastewater use,
Charleston Water System bases your sewer bill on your water consumption. Your rates for your sewer bill will depend on your sewer district. If you are a Charleston Water System sewer
customer you are billed at 95% of your water usage, provided
you are not a commercial customer or have an irrigation system. Learn more about rates and fees
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Is Charleston Water System a public utility or private company?
Charleston Water System is public water and wastewater utility owned by our ratepayers and governed by an elected Board of Commissioners. We were established by Charleston City Council in 1917 under state statute. We are legally known as the Commissioners of Public Works of the City of Charleston, but we do business as Charleston Water System.
Our operations are funded by revenue from rates and fees charged for water and sewer service, as well as borrowed money and investment income. Charleston Water System does not
receive any tax revenues.
Charleston Water System financial information
Learn more about rates and fees
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Does Charleston Water System supply water and wastewater service to other areas?
Yes, we provide drinking water on a wholesale basis to several
other water utilities in the Charleston area and treat wastewater for several utilities/municipalities. Charleston Water System is also a billing agent for sewer utilities within our water service area.
View a water service area map
View a sewer service area map
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Where does Charleston Water System water come from?
Our Hanahan Water Treatment Plant treats water from the Edisto River and the Bushy Park Reservoir, both of which are surface water sources.
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Charleston has a reliable water supply, so why should I conserve?
Here are some reasons why you should conserve:
1. It's the responsible thing to do.
2. You'll save on your water bill.
3. Model responsible behavior for children.
4. You'll save on your sewer bill.
5. Protect fragile ecosystems by building fewer reservoirs.
6. Reduce storm water pollution
7. Save money on heating bills.
8. Reduce load on wastewater treatment plants, delaying the
need for expansion.
9. Preserve a scarce natural resource.
Learn more about water conservation
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Sometimes I get flyers for non-profit organizations in my bill. Why are these included and how can I find out more information?
These flyers are called bill inserts, and Charleston Water System allows non-profit organizations to include these inserts in our bills
as a community service. An organization must be a registered 501(c)3 not-for-profit group and Charleston Water System's
Board of Commissioners must approve all inserts.
Learn more about the Bill Insert Program
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