What We Do

Charleston Water System is a public water and wastewater utility governed by a Board of Commissioners. We provide water and wastewater service to the City of Charleston, including West Ashley, Daniel Island, and James Island.

Our Mission is to protect public health and enhance the environment of our service community by providing clean
water services of exceptional quality and value.

In addition to the customers we serve directly (our retail customers), we provide water service to other water utilities
and government agencies in the Lowcountry and treat wastewater from Folly Beach, Hollywood, Ravenel, and Meggett on a
wholesale basis.

Charleston Water System does not manage the storm water drainage system, which is under the City of Charleston's Department of Public Service, but we do serve as a billing agent
for collection of the storm water drainage fee.

Charleston Water System is a nationally recognized leader in the water and wastewater industries: We were the first water and wastewater utility in the nation to earn certification from the International Organization of Standardization (ISO) for the implementation of an Environmental Management System (EMS). Our Hanahan Water Treatment Plant, the largest water plant in
the state, is a member of the prestigious Partnership for Safe Water—a voluntary program for utilities who exceed water
treatment regulations.

Charleston Water System employs some 440 people and operates one water treatment plant and two wastewater treatment facilities.

Our Services at a Glance

Water Service
Treatment plant		Hanahan Water Treatment Plant
Permitted capacity		118 million gallons/day (mgd)
Average daily flow		50 mgd
Population served		Approximately 400,000 people
Type of service		Retail and wholesale
Retail accounts		105,000
Retail service area		Charleston, North Charleston, Hanahan, James Island, Daniel Island, Cainhoy, Thomas Island, West Ashley, Hollywood, Ravenel, Meggett see map
Wholesale service area		see map
Miles of water mains		1,600
Sewer Service
Treatment plants		Plum Island Treatment Plant and Daniel Island Treatment Plant
Permitted capacity		Plum Island: 36 mgd Daniel Island: 1 mgd
Average daily flow		Plum Island: 20 mgd Daniel Island: 0.6 mgd
Population served		Approximately 170,000 people
Type of service		Retail and wholesale
Retail accounts		47,000
Retail service area		see map
Wholesale service area		see map
Miles of sewer mains		600

Looking for another agency?
Charleston Water System provides public water and sanitary sewer service only. If you are looking for information about storm water service, streets and sidewalks, or other public works services, please see one of the links below for other agencies in the Lowcountry.

Storm water drainage,
City of Charleston

Streets & sidewalks,
City of Charleston

Charleston County Public Works

North Charleston Sewer District

Mt. Pleasant Waterworks

About Charleston Water System>General Information>What We Do