Why do water and sewer rates keep going up?
The primary driver of rate increases is the need to fund new and replacement infrastructure.
Many of our water mains, sewer lines, and treatment facilities are over 50 years old and have reached the end of their service life.

Replacing this aging infrastructure is necessary to maintain the level of service we all expect, but the cost is high.

Charleston Water System funds infrastructure by issuing revenue bonds and raising rates to repay the debt. Retained earnings and impact fee revenue provide some funding, but not enough to meet the needs.

The three-year series of rate increases approved in 2010 are funding our current Capital Improvements Program, which includes 39 high-priority water and sewer infrastructure projects. The total estimated cost of these projects is $155.9 million.

The cost of wide-scale infrastructure replacement and it’s impact on water and sewer rates is a challenge faced by utilities across the country.Learn more about our Capital Improvements Program

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1. Can I get my bill adjusted if I had a leak?
2. Can I get a discount on my sewer bill when I fill my pool?
3. Can I sign up for automatic recurring payments using my credit card?
4. How is my sewer bill calculated?
5. How is my water bill calculated?
6. Why is there a charge for the storm water fee on my water bill?
7. Why do water and sewer rates keep going up?
8. Why am I charged a minimum bill even if I don't use any water?
9. What is an irrigation account?
10. Does Charleston Water System bill for other sewer utilities?
11. What is Automated Meter Reading (AMR)?
12. What is my billing cycle?
13. What is the sewer cap?
14. Why is my bill higher than usual?
15. Will I be charged for sewer while my home is under construction?