(May 23, 2006)--Charleston Water System, the Lowcountry's largest water provider, has reached 100,000 active water accounts.

In the last five years, the utility has experienced notable growth, adding a total of 13,800 water accounts-an average of 2,760 accounts per year since 2001. "This is a significant milestone for us," said John Cook, P.E., Chief Executive Officer, "It's an indication of the widespread and steady growth as a result of the quality of life in this region. It's also a testament to our robust water and wastewater infrastructure, which enables us to attract industry and businesses to our community that contribute to smart growth."

With growth comes the need for new infrastructure-water mains, storage tanks, and plant upgrades-to meet the increased demands for service. "In addition to new infrastructure, we have some water mains and equipment at our water plant that were put in 50 or 60 years ago that must be either rehabilitated, updated to meet current demands and regulations, or completely replaced," explained Cook.

To meet these infrastructure needs, Charleston Water System recently borrowed $155.5 million to fund the 2006 Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The CIP includes 45 projects that address the most immediate needs, including a new elevated storage tank and transmission main on James Island, major wastewater system improvements in the Red Top and Highway 17 corridor of West Ashley, and upgrades to the Hanahan Water Treatment Plant.

History

Charleston Water System was established in 1917 as the Commissioners of Public Works of the City of Charleston, after Charleston City Council purchased the assets of the Charleston Light and Water Company. At that time, there were 7,200 water accounts and approximately 70 miles of water mains.

Currently, Charleston Water System has more than 1,500 miles of water mains serving the Greater Charleston area. In addition to the 100,000 direct water accounts, Charleston Water wholesales water to nine area utilities/municipalities, so the utility's water reaches an estimated 400,000 people.

Charleston Water System treats water at it's Hanahan Water Treatment Plant, which is permitted to produce up to 118 million gallons per day (mgd), but currently produces an average of 50 mgd. The plant was originally built in 1903 in conjunction with construction of the Goose Creek Reservoir, which was built by the Charleston Light and Water Company to supplement the inadequate water supply produced by artesian wells on the Peninsula, and to serve the Navy Base.

Charleston Water began providing wastewater collection and treatment service in the late 1960s, and currently has 45,000 wastewater accounts and two wastewater treatment plants. Charleston Water is an independent, publicly owned utility governed by a Board of Commissioners.

More information about Charleston Water System, including history, service area, and information about the 2006 Capital Improvement Program (CIP), is available at www.charlestonwater.com.

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