Charleston Water System - News and Public Notices

News and Public Notices

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Billing schedule changes to take effect in June
May 29, 2008

Spring bloom affects tap water taste and smell
April 14, 2008

Our bills have a new look!
December 18, 2007

Water and sewer rates to increase December 1st
November 1, 2007

Charleston Water receives excellence award from SCDHEC
September 25, 2007

Charleston's drinking water supply not affected by drought
September 6, 2007

James Island and West Ashley customers to get new automated water meters
September 5, 2006

Charleston Water System eliminates connection fees for dedicated fire service lines
July 24, 2007

Kin Hill named Chief Executive Officer
December 19, 2006

COG approves sewer service boundary on Johns Island
December 12, 2006

Board approves water and sewer rate increases
September 26, 2006

Charleston Water System reduces flat rate sewer charge
August 4, 2006

Report raises concern about fluoride levels in drinking water
March 27, 2006

Charleston Water System receives credit rating upgrade
March 24, 2006

Charleston Water teams with Lowcountry Housing Trust to offer reduced impact fees for affordable housing
February 2, 2006

Board approves $155.5 million Capital Improvement Program and associated rate increase
Jan. 24, 2006

CPW launches new name and logo
Jan. 2, 2006

Billing schedule changes to take effect in June
Some customers will receive their June bill a week earlier or later than usual

(May 29, 2008) —Some customers will see a change in the date they receive their water bill each month, beginning with the June bills.

Charleston Water System is adjusting water billing cycles, and customers in North Charleston, West Ashley, and James Island will receive their June bill about a week earlier or later than usual. As a result, the amount of the June bill may be slightly higher or lower than normal.

For example, if you typically receive your bill on the 15th of every month and instead receive it on the 7th, the amount of your June bill will be less than normal because you were billed for fewer days of water use. That amount will be included on your July bill.

Similarly, if your June bill arrives on the 22nd instead of the 15th, those additional days will result in a slightly higher than normal bill.

The billing schedule adjustments are necessary to accommodate our new automated meter reading technology, which required us to change our meter reading routes. (Click here to learn more about automated meter reading.)

If you have any questions or concerns about your bill, please call our Customer Service Department at (843) 727-600 or send us an e-mail.

Spring bloom affects tap water taste and smell
Earthy/musty taste and smell not harmful, just a nuisance

(April 14, 2008) —Each year about this time, the warm Spring temperatures bring us flowering plants, allergies—and earthy tasting tap water.

Just as weather affects the taste of fruits, so is the case with tap water. Charleston Water System’s Hanahan Water Treatment Plant draws most of its water from the Bushy Park Reservoir, where springtime algae are flourishing and giving the water a distinctive earthy/musty taste and smell.

The unpleasant taste is not harmful, but it is difficult to remove. Doing so requires adding activated carbon to the water, which adsorbs the compounds responsible for the unpleasant taste and odor. Some people are more sensitive to tastes than others, so even with the additional treatment efforts, some may still detect the taste or smell.

"We're monitoring the treatment process closely to remove as much of the unpleasant taste and smell as possible, and we appreciate customers’ patience as we work through it," said Andy Fairey, Charleston Water's Chief Operating Officer.

This year, the earthy/musty phenomenon is worse than past years, most likely because of exposed shoreline from the recent drought, where algae thrived and then were washed back into the source water as lake levels rose.

"This is a natural occurrence that's common this time of year," explains Harvey Wilkins of SC DHEC's Environmental Quality Control office. "It's an aesthetic issue, but people are understandably concerned when their water tastes different. We just want to assure the public that the water is safe to drink."

Springtime taste and odor is a common occurrence for water utilities that use surface water as their source, and it typically subsides as the seasons change.

If you have questions, please call our Customer Service Department at (843) 727-6800 or e-mail us.

Related links
Tap water and your health

Our bills have a new look!

(December 18, 2007)---Charleston Water System's water and sewer bills have been redesigned to make the bills easier to read. Customers will begin receiving the new bills on Wednesday, December 19th.

Information about the new bills is included in our Water Wise customer newsletter, which is being mailed with all bills during the month of December.

Questions or comments? Call (843) 727-6800 or send us an e-mail!

Water and sewer rates to increase December 1st
Increase is the second in a three-year rate increase to repay debt

(November 1, 2007)--Effective December 1, 2007, water rates will increase by an average of 4% and sewer rates will increase by an average of 7%.

The increases are averages because the exact percentage varies slightly depending on how much water you use, where you live, and the size pipe that service your home or business.

For the typical family in the City of Charleston using 6,000 gallons of water per month, the increase amounts to an extra $3.49 per month on the combined water and sewer bill.

Revenue for the rate increase will be used to repay debt incurred by a 2006 bond issue, which raised $170 million for capital improvements.

Click here to view rates
Rate increase fact sheet (PDF)
Capital Improvement Program

Charleston Water receives excellence award from SCDHEC

(September 25, 2007)---Charleston Water System has been awarded the 2006 Area Wide Optimization Program Excellence Award for treating drinking water beyond what's required by regulation.

Charleston Water is a member of SCDHEC's Area Wide Optimization Program and the EPA's Partnership for Safe Water. Both are voluntary programs for water utilities that strive to exceed regulatory requirements.

The Excellence Award recognizes Charleston Water for achieving five years of turbidity levels below 0.1 NTU. Turbidity is a measure of the cloudiness of water, and is an important indicator of overall water quality. The US EPA requires turbidity to be less than 1 NTU.

Charleston's drinking water supply not affected by drought

(September 6, 2007)---Although much of the state is now in a severe drought, the dry conditions are not affecting Charleston Water System, which has an adequate supply of drinking water and has no plans to issue water use restrictions.

The majority of Charleston's drinking water comes from the Bushy Park Reservoir, while a small percentage is drawn from the Edisto River. Charleston Water's treatment plant uses a relatively small amount of water relative to the total volume of water in the Bushy Park Reservoir.

"Even though we're not impacted by the severe drought, it raises awareness about the importance of drinking water in our daily lives, and reminds us that it's something to be valued and protected," said Andy Fairey, Charleston Water System chief operating officer.

Charleston Water System produces an average of 65 million gallons of drinking water each day and serves some 400,000 people.

Related links
Easy ways to conserve water
About Charleston Water System
SC State Climatology Office - drought conditions

James Island and West Ashley customers to get new automated water meters

(September 5, 2006)---Beginning Monday, September 10th, a contractor will begin installing new water meters for customers on James Island and West Ashley---a total of 25,000 new meters.

The new automated meters allow for faster, more accurate collection of monthly meter reads. They're equipped with a battery-powered antenna that sends a radio signal to a laptop computer, allowing our meter readers to collect up to 5,000 reads a day by simply drive through neighborhoods and capturing the data electronically.

Utility Partners of America (UPA) will be installing the meters, and will notify customers before beginning work. Installation takes about 30 minutes, during which time your water service will be temporarily disconnected. After your water is turned back on, be sure to turn on faucets slowly to allow air to escape your fixtures. If you're not at home during the installation, a service technician will leave a door hanger notifying you of the work.

The meter installations are scheduled to be complete in April 2008. Charleston Water System began pilot testing automated meters in 2001, and currently, some 10,000 customers west of Rantowles Creek and east of the Cooper River have the new meters. Automated meters cost about $200 each installed.

If you have a question about the new meter installation, please call (843) 727-6800 or e-mail us.

Kin Hill named Chief Executive Officer of Charleston Water System

Kin Hill, P.E.

(December 19, 2006)---Charleston Water System's Board of Commissioners today appointed Kin Hill to serve as CEO of the public utility. Hill has filled the role on an interim basis since a management change in July 2006.

"I'm honored by the opportunity to serve the public, our Board of Commissioners, and the dedicated, hard-working associates of Charleston Water System," said Kin Hill.

"Clean water and sanitary sewer services are such an important part of preserving and protecting our quality of life. I'm humbled by the trust and responsibility that comes with this role."

Kin Hill has been with Charleston Water since 1987. Before he was named Interim CEO earlier this year, he served as Chief Operating Officer. Hill is a licensed Professional Engineer in the state of South Carolina, a licensed water and wastewater operator, and is active in industry organizations, including the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and the Water Environment Federation (WEF).

Kin Hill's Bio
Message from Kin

COG approves sewer service boundary on Johns Island

(December 12, 2006)---Today's approval of a contract between the COG, St. Johns Water Company, and Charleston Water System sets a firm boundary for public sewer service on Johns Island (see map below).

The boundary closely follows the Urban Growth Boundary (U.G.B) line established by Charleston County, with the exception of several properties that were either previously annexed by the City of Charleston or had already received development approval. The new sewer boundary was set by amending the COG's 208 Plan, which designates sewer service areas in the tri-county area. The plan's name refers to section 208 of the federal Clean Water Act that requires every locality to establish a plan for preventing water pollution.

Under the newly approved 208 Plan amendment, St. Johns Water Company agrees to allow Charleston Water System to serve unincorporated property inside the new sewer service boundary line. St. Johns does not provide public sewer service--only water.

Charleston Water System serves about 1,000 sewer customers on the island, the majority of which are inside the City of Charleston's corporate limits. Prior to this 208 Plan amendment, providing service to any unincorporated property on Johns Island required an individual amendment to the 208 Plan. With final approval of the 208 Plan amendment, Charleston Water System may provide sewer service to any property inside the new sewer boundary line. The plan prohibits Charleston Water System from providing sewer service to any property outside the line, even if the Urban Growth Boundary is moved or properties outside the line were to annex into the City of Charleston.

"This is as close to a permanent line as you can get," said Charleston Water Interim CEO Kin Hill, P.E. "This service area boundary will not only help preserve the rural nature of Johns Island by limiting growth, but it also gives us a defined sewer service area, which will help us plan our sanitary sewer infrastructure for the future.

"Properties outside the newly drawn sewer service boundary will have to seek alternative means for sewer service, such as septic tanks or private "package plants," which must be approved by the COG and SC DHEC.The 208 Plan amendment can only be changed by a joint agreement of the COG, St. Johns Water Company, and Charleston Water System.

Related Links
Detailed PDF map of 208 Plan sewer service boundary (Note: 2MB file--may take several moments to download)
BCD COG web site

Click here to view larger image (pdf)

Frequently Asked Questions about the 208 Plan amendment

Why does the sewer service boundary include several properties outside of the Urban Growth Boundary line?
These properties were either previously annexed into the City of Charleston, or received development approval before the Urban Growth Boundary was relocated.

If a property outside of the new sewer service boundary annexes into the City of Charleston can it received public sewer from Charleston Water?
No.

If the urban growth boundary line is moved in the future, will public sewer be extended?
No. Charleston Water System cannot provide service outside of the service area boundary set by the 208 Plan amendment for any reason. The boundary can only be changed by a joint agreement by the COG, St. Johns Water Company, and Charleston Water System.

Will unincorporated properties inside the new service boundary be able to connect to public sewer?
Yes--if sewer infrastructure is available. Charleston Water System has a master plan for sewer infrastructure on Johns Island, which calls for new sewer lines and pump stations.

Who should I contact for questions?
For more information about sewer availability on Johns Island, please contact Clif Wooten, Charleston Water System Technical Services Supervisor, at (843) 727-6886.

Board approves water and sewer rate increases
Increases take effect Dec. 1, 2006 and will fund capital improvements

(September 26)--Charleston Water System's Board of Commissioners has approved a series of water and sewer rate increases to fund capital improvements. Water rates will go up by an average of 4% and sewer rates by an average of 7% each year over the next three years beginning December 1, 2006.

The actual percentage increase will vary slightly depending on the size of water service and monthly consumption. For the typical residential customer inside the City of Charleston who uses 6,000 gallons per month (8Ccf), the monthly combined water and sewer bill will increase by $2.87 in 2007. (download rate increase fact sheet)

The rate increases are necessary to repay debt associated with an April 2006 bond issue. Charleston Water System borrowed $155 million to fund a capital improvement program, which includes 45 water and sewer projects necessary to meet growth demand, update aging infrastructure, and meet regulatory requirements.

Charleston Water System reduces flat rate sewer charge
Some Johns Island customers will pay flat rate beginning September 1

(August 4, 2006)--Effective September 1, 2006, Charleston Water will lower the flat rate sewer charge from 5,984 gallons (8 Ccf) to 4,488 gallons (6 Ccf).

This non-metered flat rate applies only to a small number of sewer customers who either receive water service from another provider or have private wells. This is because without metered water service, there is no way to measure sewer usage.

The monthly non-metered flat rate for sewer is $31.34 for customers inside the City of Charleston and $43.11 for those outside the city limits. Sewer customers on Johns Island who receive water service from St. Johns Water Company will begin paying this flat rate on September 1, 2006.

This is necessary until St. Johns Water Company is able to provide Charleston Water System with the necessary account information needed to calculate actual wastewater charges for the affected customers. Click here to view rate schedule

Report raises concern about fluoride levels in drinking water
Charleston Water's fluoride level is safe

(March 27, 2006)---A report by the National Academy of Sciences says the US Environmental Protection Agency's limit on the amount of fluoride in drinking water is too high, and could cause damage to children's teeth.

Under the EPA's current regulations, drinking water may have up to 4 parts per million (ppm) of fluoride, or 4 milligrams per liter. The report found that fluoride at that level may cause pitting in children's teeth or strip away the protective enamel. The report focused on utilities whose source water contains naturally high fluoride levels, and did not address artificially fluoridated water, which typically has much lower levels.

Charleston Water System adds fluoride at levels recommended by the American Dental Association to protect against tooth decay. Our fluoride level is 0.8 ppm, well below the 4 ppm level discussed in the report. The EPA sponsored the report, which did not offer a recommendation on a new limit for fluoride in drinking water.

Read the report
Read the CDC's response to the fluoride report
Download Charleston Water System's Annual Water Quality Report

Charleston Water System receives credit rating upgrade

(March 24, 2006)--Standard & Poor’s has upgraded Charleston Water System’s bond rating from a AA- to a AA, and Fitch gave the utility an equivalent rating for it’s first ever evaluation of the utility. Moody’s rating of Aa3 did not change.

The credit rating agencies’ evaluation of Charleston Water System comes in advance of the utility’s plans to issue up to $180 million in revenue bonds to fund its 2006 Capital Improvement Plan. Charleston Water also plans to refinance up to $110 million in existing debt to save on interest payments.

The ratings are based on a variety of factors, including strength of the local economy, stability of Charleston Water’s customer base, financial stability, management, and operational efficiency.

Charleston Water teams with Lowcountry Housing Trust to offer reduced impact fees for affordable housing

(February 2, 2005)--In an effort to support affordable housing development in the Lowcountry, Charleston Water System has joined with the Lowcountry Housing Trust to offer up to $1,000 in impact fee savings for each affordable housing unit built in the utility's service area.

Charleston Water charges impact fees--$2,200 for water and $2,650 for sewer--before a newly built home can connect to the water or sewer system. The revenue generated by these fees helps fund capital improvements necessary to support the increased demand resulting from growth.

The affordable housing impact fee program will be implemented in April 2006, and will be administered by the Lowcountry Housing Trust. Developers wishing to qualify for the program should contact the LHT for more information; call (843) 973-7285 or visit www.lowcountryhousingtrust.org.

Board approves $155.5 million Capital Improvement Program and associated rate increase

(January 24, 2006) -- Charleston Water System’s Board of Commissioners approved a three-year water and wastewater rate increase, effective December 1, 2006 – December 1, 2008, to fund a Capital Improvement Program (CIP) that will allow Charleston Water to meet population growth demands, comply with regulations, and replace aging infrastructure.

Water rates will increase by an average of 4% and wastewater rates will increase by an average of 7%. For the typical water and wastewater customer living in the City of Charleston, this amounts to about a $3.68 per month increase each year for three years. Click the links below for more information.

Learn more about the CIP
Read press release

CPW Launches New Name and Logo

(January 2, 2006) -- The Charleston Commissioners of Public Works (CPW) is pleased to introduce a new company name and logo!

To reduce confusion among other public service agencies in the Lowcountry and more clearly define CPW’s services, we've changed our name to Charleston Water System.

The Commissioners of Public Works of the City of Charleston will remain our legal corporate name--it was assigned to the utility by state statute when it was formed in 1917. But since that time, “public works” has come to define everything from water and sewer service to roads, garbage collection, and ditches, causing considerable public confusion with agencies such as Charleston County Public Works and the City of Charleston Department of Public Service.

We hope our new name and look will help us better communicate who we are and what we do. We'll be introducing new public information resources such as this web site to provide more information about our services to our customers.We hope you find this new web site easy to use and full of helpful information.

Questions or comments? Click here to send us an e-mail! New web site features include...

Water treatment process diagram
Wastewater treatment diagram
Interactive Kids Korner
History of Charleston Water System
Papers and presentations
Message from the CEO
Honors and Awards

Regulatory requirements

Don't forget to check out our new and improved E-Pay system! View your account information and pay your bill online. It's quick, easy, and secure! Enroll now!

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