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.
>Visit our 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, 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.
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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, there is a six to eight week waiting period before the service will be installed.
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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's 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 rates and fees
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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 "used" water that goes down the 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 90% 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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Does Charleston Water System make a profit?
No. Charleston Water System is an independent municipal corporation. Our budget is completely funded through the rates charged for water and sewer service, which are based on the cost of providing service. 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. Our wholesale customers may use all Charleston Water System water or purchase capacity to supplement their own sources. Charleston Water System is also a billing agent for other sewer districts.
>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 bills.
3. Model responsible behavior for children.
4. You'll save on your sewer bills.
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. Non-profit organizations design and print the flyers, which Charleston Water System inserts into the bills using an automated system. Charleston Water System also develops inserts to educate customers on various topics, such as emergency preparedness, our Good Neighbor Program, protecting home water pipes during cold weather, etc. For more information on including in insert in Charleston Water System bills, click here.
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