Having clean reliable running water is something we often take for granted. But ensuring uninterrupted service requires Charleston water customers to pay their utility bills on time every month. With multiple payment options available from the Charleston Water System, paying your bill is quick and easy.
This guide will walk through the online payment process step-by-step. We’ll also cover other payment methods, tips for avoiding late fees, and answers to frequently asked billing questions. Read on to learn how to pay your Charleston water bill with minimal hassle.
Overview of Charleston Water System
The Charleston Water System provides water and sewer service to over 100,000 residents and businesses across the City of Charleston and surrounding areas in South Carolina. They are the public utility responsible for water treatment, infrastructure maintenance, meter reading, billing, and collecting customer payments each month
Customers typically receive water bills on a monthly basis. Once you get a bill, you have 21 days to pay it or face late fees or service interruptions. There are many ways to pay the Charleston Water System, including in person, over the phone, by mail, or by auto-debit.
Benefits of Paying Your Water Bill Online
Paying online through the Charleston Water System website has become the preferred method for most customers because of these key benefits:
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Convenience – Pay at anytime, anywhere with an internet connection Avoid waiting in line at the office.
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Speed: Online payments go straight into your account, while mailed payments take 3–5 days.
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Security – The payment portal uses encryption and security measures to protect your personal information.
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Notifications – Get email reminders when your bill is ready and due.
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Account management – View payment history, make one-time payments, or set up autopay.
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Cost savings – Avoid late fees by paying on time. Online payments also avoid checks and stamps.
Step-by-Step Guide to Paying Your Water Bill Online
Follow these simple steps to pay your Charleston water bill online:
1. Visit the Payment Website
Go to www.charlestonwater.com and click on “Pay My Bill”. This links directly to the payment portal.
2. Log Into Your Account
If you already have an online account, log in with your username and password. This links your payment to your account.
3. Enter Payment Details
Select whether you want to make a one-time payment or set up recurring autopay. Enter your payment method and amount due.
4. Submit Payment
Carefully review the payment details before submitting. Processing occurs in real-time and takes under a minute.
5. Confirmation and Receipt
Save or print the confirmation page with your account number and payment confirmation number.
6. Payment Received
Log into your account anytime to view your payment history and confirm the payment posted.
And done! By paying online, you’ve quickly and securely paid your water bill while avoiding late fees. Just repeat these steps by the due date each billing cycle.
Other Ways to Pay Your Charleston Water Bill
If you prefer not to pay online, the Charleston Water System offers several other payment options:
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By phone – Call the toll-free automated payment line anytime to pay over the phone with a debit/credit card.
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Mail-in – Detach and mail the payment stub from your paper bill with a check or money order. Allow 7-10 days for mail delivery.
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In-person – Visit the Charleston Water office during business hours to pay with cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card.
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Auto debit payments – Authorize recurring payments from your bank account on your bill due date each month. Avoid late fees.
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Drop box – Place a check or money order in one of the secure drop boxes around town before the due date.
No matter which option you choose, just be sure to pay your water bill before the due date every month to avoid penalties. Online bill pay is the quickest and most secure method for most customers.
Setting Up Automatic Payments on Your Charleston Water Account
For maximum convenience, you can enroll in auto debit through the Charleston Water System’s online payment portal. Here’s how to set it up:
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Log into your online account at www.charlestonwater.com.
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Under “My Profile”, select the “AutoPay” option.
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Enter your bank account information and preferred payment date each month.
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Agree to the terms and conditions.
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Save your automatic payment details.
Now, your water bill will be paid automatically each month on the scheduled date you selected. Just make sure to monitor your account periodically and keep your payment information up-to-date.
Avoiding Late Fees and Penalties
To avoid getting hit with late water bill fees, remember these tips:
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Mark your due date on the calendar so you don’t forget.
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Enroll in autopay or schedule payment reminders to ensure on-time payment.
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Pay a few days early online to account for processing time.
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Update your account with current contact info and preferred billing/notice options.
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Contact Charleston Water immediately if you expect difficulty paying on time. They may be able to arrange a payment plan or offer assistance.
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Pay the full balance due each month, as partial payments still incur late fees.
Staying on top of your water bill responsibilities will save you money while keeping your water flowing.
Answers to Frequently Asked Billing and Payment Questions
What is the current water service rate in Charleston?
The water service rate consists of a fixed monthly fee based on your meter size plus a volumetric usage charge per 1000 gallons. View the current rates on their website.
When will I receive my water bill each month?
Most customers receive bills within the first few days of the month, but billing dates vary by zone across the service area. Check your specific bill or online account for your cycle.
How can I check if I have a past due balance?
Log into your online account to view your account balance and payment history. Any unpaid balance from prior months is past due.
What are the late fee and disconnection policies?
Bills become past due after 21 days. A late fee is assessed and disconnection warning issued between 30-45 days past due. Services are disconnected around 60 days past due.
Can I dispute a water bill I think is inaccurate?
Yes, contact Charleston Water to investigate usage spikes or other discrepancies. They’ll check for leaks, meter issues, or billing errors if reported promptly.
What is the mailing address to send my water bill payment to?
Charleston Water
PO Box B
Charleston, SC 29402
Paying your water bill on time is an important responsibility. By understanding Charleston Water’s billing processes and using the convenient online payment system, you can easily keep your account current every month.
Authorized Payment LocationsWestern Union centers in the stores below accept bill payments for a $00 fee. Hours of operation may vary. Payments after 4 p.m. or on weekends or holidays will be credited to your account the next business day. If your water service was shut off due to nonpayment and you make a payment at one of these locations, please call our Customer Service department at (843) 727-6800.
- 1015 King St
- 4400 Dorchester Rd
- 2144 Savannah Hwy
- 8780-A Rivers Avenue (Otranto)