How to Pay Your Charleston Water Bill: A Step-by-Step Guide

Having access to clean, reliable drinking water is something many of us take for granted But providing high-quality water service to a city requires extensive infrastructure and ongoing maintenance. The Charleston Water System works hard to deliver water to residents and businesses across the Charleston, South Carolina area.

As a customer, you need to pay your Charleston water bill regularly to keep service active. Water billing can seem complicated if you’re new to paying utilities This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about paying your Charleston water bill.

Overview of Charleston Water System

The Charleston Water System is a public water and wastewater utility providing services to over 450,000 people. They supply drinking water, fire protection, and sewer services across the City of Charleston as well as parts of North Charleston, James Island, West Ashley, and Mount Pleasant

The utility is governed by the Charleston Commissioners of Public Works – an elected body that sets water rates and policies. Charleston Water System employs around 300 people to operate and maintain infrastructure across the region.

As a customer, you likely receive monthly water and sewer bills for service at your home or business. Keep reading to learn how to understand these bills and pay them on time.

Receiving Your Bill

Charleston Water System bills residents on a monthly basis. Your bill includes charges for water and sewer service from the prior month.

Bills are calculated based on your water meter readings. Meters are read around the 20th of each month and bills are then mailed to customers.

You should receive your bill in the mail by the 1st of the month. Review the bill carefully for your total charges and due date. Charleston water bills are due 15 days after the billing date.

If you don’t receive your bill, contact Charleston Water immediately to get a copy reissued. You can also opt for paperless billing and access your bill electronically through their customer portal.

Understanding Your Water Bill

Charleston Water System bills outline your water service charges in detail. Here are the key sections to understand:

• Account information – Includes your account number, meter ID, and service address. Check for accuracy.

• Meter readings – Lists meter readings from past and current month and the water usage. Unexpected spikes may indicate leaks.

• Water service – Base charge for service plus volume charge based on usage. Rates depend on meter size.

• Wastewater service – Charges for sewer service based on your water usage.

• Service fees – Stormwater fee, public service district fee, and recycling fee.

• Account balance – Total amount owed including any past due balance.

• Due date – Payment is due 15 days after the billing date shown.

Reach out to Charleston Water if you need help understanding the various rates and fees listed on your bill. Being able to read and review the bill can help avoid unexpected costs.

Payment Options

Charleston Water System offers several ways to pay your water bill conveniently:

• Online – Pay via the customer portal using credit/debit card or e-check.

• Phone – Call the pay-by-phone line anytime to make a payment.

• Mail – Send a check or money order with your bill stub to the mailing address.

• In person – Visit the downtown office to pay by cash, check, money order or credit/debit card.

• Dropbox – Place your payment in the dropbox outside the customer service office.

• AutoPay – Have payments automatically deducted from your bank account each month.

Review your bill and choose the payment method that fits your needs before the due date. Online and autopay offer easy ways to stay on track.

Financial Assistance Programs

If you’re struggling to pay your Charleston water bill on time, there may be assistance programs available:

• Payment arrangements – Charleston Water may approve a payment plan to pay past due balances over time.

• LIHEAP – Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program can help pay water bills along with heating/cooling bills.

• Project Share – Program that helps customers in financial crisis get utility bills paid.

Contact Charleston Water as soon as possible if you anticipate difficulty paying your bill. Being proactive allows more time to determine solutions before water service is disrupted.

Avoid Late Fees and Disconnection

Paying your Charleston water bill after the due date can lead to penalties:

• Late fee – A 10% late fee is added if not paid within 15 days of the billing date.

• Disconnection – Accounts more than 60 days past due may have water service disconnected.

• Reconnection fee – A $30 fee is charged to restore service after disconnection.

Setting payment reminders and budgeting for your water bill can prevent headaches from missed payments. Disconnection negatively impacts both you and the property.

New Service Activation

If you’re moving into a new home or apartment in Charleston, you’ll need to transfer water service into your name:

• Contact Charleston Water 5-7 days before your move-in date to set up new service.

• Provide your personal details including a valid ID and any rental lease agreements.

• Pay a deposit based on your property type to establish credit.

• Submit a final meter reading from the move-out date to transfer service.

• Give access for technicians to read the meter at your new residence.

Taking the time to properly start new water service ensures uninterrupted access to water when you move in. It also establishes your account details for billing purposes.

Ending Water Service

To close your Charleston Water account when moving out:

• Notify the utility at least 3 days before your move-out date.

• Provide a forwarding address for your final bill.

• Schedule a time for your meter to be read on the move-out date.

• Pay any outstanding account balance to avoid collections.

• Cancel autopay if enrolled to avoid continued payments.

Completing a final meter read allows your final bill to reflect just your share of usage before shutting off service at that address.

Customer Support

Don’t hesitate to contact Charleston Water System if you need help with your water service or bill:

• Call (843) 727-6800 during business hours for billing questions.

• Email a Customer Service Representative through their online portal.

• Visit the downtown office at 103 St. Philip Street for in-person support.

• File disputes or complaints in writing if your bill seems inaccurate.

Charleston Water aims to resolve any billing issues or payment concerns quickly and fairly. Checking in early can prevent headaches down the road.

In Closing

The arrival of your monthly water bill reminds us how much we rely on local utilities for an essential service. Paying your Charleston water bill fully and on time allows the system to function smoothly for the entire community. Follow this guide when reviewing, understanding, and paying your Charleston water charges. And reach out for help managing payments if money is tight. Consistent water service is vital to our health and daily lives.