You can open or close a water or sewer account by submitting a form via e-mail or fax (see instructions below), by calling us at 843-727-6800, or by visiting one of our two customer service locations. Our office hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Before contacting us to open an account, please make sure you have the following information:

For Residential Accounts

• Your name and social security number
• Date you would like water service to begin
• Address of the property to receive service
• Mailing address
• Daytime and evening phone number

For Commercial Accounts

• Company name
• Name of the commercial co-signer and his/her social security number
• Date you would like to water service to begin
• Address of the property to receive service
• Mailing address
• Daytime and evening phone number

Note: We require most commercial accounts to identify one individual in the company who will sign a form agreeing to assume responsibility for all water and sewer debts at the address. This agreement must be returned to our office within 14 days.
View requirements for closing a commercial account with fire service

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly will my service to an existing residence be turned on?
Please allow one business day's notice before you'd like the water turned on. Please check to ensure all your faucets and other fixtures are in the off position, and plan to have someone at your home when we schedule to activate your service. This will prevent water damage in the event that any faucets are in the on position.

If no one is present, we may not be able to activate service. Please be aware there is a fee for a return visit.

What are the fees charged for establishing service to an existing location?
An origination fee is charged on all new accounts to cover the expense of establishing the account. This fee will be added to your first bill for the location and must be paid within 21 days. The origination fee is non-transferable and non-refundable.

Click here to view our list of fees.

Closing a Commercial Account with a Fire Service
Commercial accounts that have a serparate fire service line must provide written authorization from the property owner, insurer, and fire marshall before Charleston Water System will close the account. Click here to download the authorization form (PDF fillable form).

This policy is intended to protect the property in the event of a fire and to protect Charleston Water System from liability. If written authorization is not provided, we will continue to bill the account until a new party requests water service at the location.