Bill FAQs
Below is a list of frequently asked questions about bills. If your question is not answered below, you can call us at (843) 727-6800 (M - F, 8a.m. - 5p.m.) or e-mail us.
How does Charleston Water System calculate my water bill?
What is Charleston Water System's billing cycle?
Why is there a charge for the storm water fee on my water bill?
How does Charleston Water System calculate my sewer bill?
What is the Sewer Cap?
What is an irrigation account?
Will I be charged for sewer while my home is under construction?
Does Charleston Water System bill for other sewer utilities?
Does Charleston Water System charge a late fee for past-due bills?
What is Automated Meter Reading (AMR)?
How does Charleston Water System calculate my water bill?
Our billing structure is based on usage measured in cubic feet,
where 100 cubic feet is equal to 1 Ccf and 1Ccf equals 748 gallons
(100 cf = 1 Ccf = 748 gallons).
Your water rates depend on where you live and your water
usage. Charleston Water System has a minimum bill structure,
meaning we charge all customers a minimum monthly bill of
2 Ccf of usage (1,496 gallons). So, if you use any amount of
water less than 2 Ccf in one month, you will still be charged for
2 Ccf. Once you use the first two Ccf, you will be charged a
specific rate for each additional Ccf.
Learn more about our rate structure.
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What is Charleston Water System's billing cycle?
Your water meter is read approximately every 28-31 days. It is important to keep the area around your meter free of any obstacles such as debris, automobiles, bushes or unfriendly dogs, which can sometimes prevent us from reading your meter. If we are unable to get a reading, your bill will be estimated based on your previous water usage. The following month, an actual reading will be taken and any necessary adjustments will be made at that time.
Your bill should be paid in full by the due date shown on your statement. Your account will become past due if not paid by this date and will be subject to a late fee charge and possible interruption of service. Please contact us immediately if you do not receive a bill. You are still responsible for paying the bill.
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Why is there a charge for the storm water fee on my water bill?
If you live inside the City of Charleston, you will find included in your
bill a charge for the City of Charleston's Storm Water Utility. Charleston Water System acts as a billing and collection agent for the City—all funds are forwarded to the City of Charleston. Charleston Water System does not determine the fee, nor are we responsible for storm water drainage. If you have any questions regarding the storm water fee, please contact the City of Charleston's Storm Water Utility at (843) 724-7246.
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How does Charleston Water System calculate my sewer bill?
Because most water used ends up going down drains and into the sewer system (and it's not practical to meter sewage), your sewer bill is based on your water usage.
For single-family residential customers, the sewer bill is based on 95% of water use. So, if you use 5 Ccf of water (3,740 gallons), you will be billed 4.75 Ccf of sewer use (3,553 gallons).
Commercial customers, multi-family residential customers, and residential customers with an irrigation meter are billed at 100% of water usage.
Charleston Water System charges a minimum bill for
the first 3 Ccf and a specific rate for each additional Ccf, up to 16 Ccf. Residential accounts are not charged for any sewer usage above
16 Ccf. Learn more about our sewer rates
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What is the Sewer Cap?
Charleston Water System realizes that during warm weather
months, many people use water outdoors that doesn't go into the sewer system.
The sewer cap is designed to address the needs of these customers. Customers who use 18 Ccf (13,500 gallons) or more of water a
month will be charged a maximum set rate for sewer.
Learn more about our rates
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What is an irrigation account?
It's a separate water meter that's only used for irrigation. Irrigation accounts aren't billed for sewer.
If you frequently water your lawn or garden, you may want to consider applying for a separate irrigation meter. Learn more about irrigation meters
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Will I be charged for sewer while my home is under construction?
Charleston Water System will waive the monthly sewer charge for new homes under construction until one of the following occurs:
1. Actual sewer usage begins
2. A certificate of occupancy is issued
3. The maximum time period of four months has passed.
Upon receipt of a monthly bill, the homeowner should strike though the sewer charges, write the words “home under construction, Attention: Billing Dept.” and return with payment.
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Does Charleston Water System bill for other sewer utilities?
Yes, Charleston Water System provides billing services for several sewer districts in the Tricounty area; however, we do not operate the sewer system for these agencies, nor do we respond to maintenance calls or set wastewater rates. All questions concerning sewer service
in these districts should be directed to the appropriate agency.
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Does Charleston Water System charge a late fee for past-due bills?
Yes, an administrative fee will be added to your account if the past
due balance (excluding storm water charges) is not posted to your account by 5:00 pm on the business day prior to the scheduled date
of interruption of service. This charge covers the administrative costs required to process past due accounts for possible disconnection of service to include account research, use of computer time and, if necessary, the cost of disconnecting and reconnecting the service.
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What is Automated Meter Reading (AMR)?
Automated Meter Reading, or AMR, is a new technology that allows meters to be read automatically using a laptop computer. These
high-tech meters emit a radio signal that is picked up by a computer and allow meters to be read by driving slowly down a
route and picking up signals rather than having to physically read
every meter.
Charleston Water System began pilot testing this new technology in 2003, and has installed about 60,000 units. The benefits of AMR include more precise meter readings and improved efficiency.
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