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1. Can I get my bill adjusted if I had a leak?

If you find a water leak and repair it, you may be eligible for an adjustment on the sewer portion of your bill. We only offer sewer adjustments because water from a leak typically does not enter the sewer system. We require proof of repair before granting a leak adjustment, and customers are eligible for one leak adjustment every three years.

Use the link below to submit a leak adjustment request, or call our Customer Service Department at (843) 727-6800. Leak Adjustment Request Form

2. Can I get a discount on my sewer bill when I fill my pool?

Customers who fill a pool are eligible for an adjustment to the associated sewer charges once every five years. 

More info:
Customer Service (843) 727-6800 / email.

3. Can I sign up for automatic recurring payments using my credit card?

Not at this time. 

We only offer Auto Draft from a bank account because we’ve opted not to store customer credit card info. Sign up for Auto Draft here or complete the form on the back of your bill.

4. How is my sewer bill calculated?

Sewer bills are based on water consumption and include a monthly minimum bill plus a volume charge for billable sewer usage above 2 Ccf (1,496 gallons). Learn how to calculate your sewer bill

5. How is my water bill calculated?

Your water bill includes a monthly minimum charge plus a unit volume charge for water consumption above 2 Ccf (1,496 gallons).
Learn how to calculate your water bill

6. Why is there a charge for the storm water fee on my water bill?

If you live inside the city of Charleston, your bill includes a charge for City of Charleston Storm Water Utility. We act as a billing and collection agent for this fee, but we do not determine the fee, nor are we responsible for storm water drainage.

Questions: contact the City of Charleston Storm Water Dept. (843) 724-7246

7. 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

8. Why am I charged a minimum bill even if I don't use any water?

Our water and sewer rate structures both include a minimum bill, which is a monthly charge for service availability and up to 2 Ccf (1,496 gallons) of water consumption.

The minimum bill is designed to recover the costs associated with making service available, including costs related to metering and billing and infrastructure. The water minimum bill also pays for the costs associated with providing water for fire protection, one of our key functions.

These costs remain constant regardless of whether you use any water in a billing period.

9. What is an irrigation account?

It is a separate water meter that is only used for irrigation. Because water used for irrigating does not flow into the sewer system, irrigation accounts are not billed for sewer.

If you frequently water your lawn or garden, or add water to a pool, you may want to consider applying for an irrigation meter.

Learn more about irrigation meters

10. Does Charleston Water System bill for other sewer utilities?

Yes, Charleston Water System provides billing services for a number of sewer providers within our water service area.
List of other sewer providers

11. 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 meters emit radio signals that are collected by computers in our meter readers' trucks. They allow us to collect meter readings automatically.

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.

12. What is my billing cycle?

Your water meter is read approximately every 28-31 days. 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 we'll make any necessary adjustments.

You can help by making sure your water meter is accessible. Common obstacles that prevent us from reading meters include debris, cars parked over a meter, and unfriendly dogs.

13. What is the sewer cap?

It's the maximum sewer charge for residential customers who use 18 Ccf or more of water a month. The sewer cap is designed to account for high residential water use related to outdoor watering, which does not enter the sewer system.

The sewer cap does not apply to the domestic meter for residential customers who have a separate irrigation account or commercial customers.

Learn more about our sewer rates

14. Why is my bill higher than usual?

The most common reasons for a high bill are changes in water use and leaks.

Did you do anything that would use more water than usual, such as outdoor watering or having house guests? Check for leaks. Typical culprits are running toilets, leaking outdoor spigots, and damaged sprinkler heads.

You can use your water meter to help determine if you have a leak. The little red triangle on the meter dial is a flow indicator. Turn off all water-using fixtures and appliances inside and outside your home, then check the triangle. If it’s spinning, even slightly, that means water is going through the meter, and you probably have a leak. Keep searching or contact a plumber for help.

15. 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:

• Actual sewer usage begins
• A certificate of occupancy is issued
• The maximum time period of 4 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.