Charleston Water System - New Development

Submittal & Approval Process for New Development

If you are a developer or engineer seeking water or sewer service for a new devleopment project, this page provides an overview of Charleston Water System's process and requirements.

We require all projects to adhere to the standards and requirements outlined in our Minimum Standards for the Design and Construction of Water and Sanitary Sewer Systems, or Minimum Standards, available in PDF format below.

How to request extention of water/sewer infrastructure for new development

Review our Development Information Guide and Minimum Standards for the Design and Construction of Water and Sanitary Sewer Systems. Also review our Developer Policies.
Request a Service Availability Letter by completing the Service Availability Request Form.
Once you have an Availability Letter confirming Charleston Water System will serve your project, complete the Preliminary Fee Determination Worksheet.
Submit plans to Charleston Water System for review and approval.
Pay impact fees.
Submit a completed DHEC Construction Permit Application to Charleston Water System. CWS is responsible for reviewing construction permits and submitting them to DHEC per the Delegated Review Program.
Submit completed encroachment permits to Charleston Water System.
Construction—use only Charleston Water System approved contractors.
Project closeout—transfer ownership of water/sewer infrastructure to Charleston Water System.
Apply for a water/sewer account through Charleston Water System's Customer Service Department by completing the Application for Service form.
Pay tap fees.

Note: Charleston Water System is legally known as the Commissioners of Public Works of the City of Charleston (CPW); therefore, all contracts and other legal documents will refer to Charleston Water System as Commissioners of Public Works or CPW.