Charleston Water Bill Pay Help
Searching for the Charleston Water Department? The official utility name is Charleston Water System. Use this guide to pay a water or sewer bill, use the new customer portal, set up AutoPay, call customer service, visit an office, handle a past-due bill, start/stop service, report emergencies, or check a high bill.
The important 2026 updates are practical: CWS moved to a new online customer portal through Paymentus, older portal usernames/passwords no longer work, AutoPay is available through the new portal, and payments made after 5 PM, on weekends, or holidays may credit the next business day.
Do This First If You Just Want To Pay
Start from CharlestonWater.com, then use the new Paymentus-powered customer portal.
Open CWS PayOld portal usernames and passwords no longer work in the new customer portal.
Portal detailsCall 843-727-6800 and use option 1 for automated balance and payment.
Call CWSIf service was shut off and you pay at an authorized location, call CWS after paying.
Past-due helpCharleston Water System Quick Info
Use this section when you need the correct CWS phone number, office, mail address, payment route, or emergency contact fast.
Customer service
843-727-6800. Use for billing, balance, payment, account help, and emergency routing.
Online account
New customer portal powered by Paymentus: balance, payment, past bills, paperless billing, and AutoPay.
Downtown office
103 St. Philip Street, Charleston, SC 29403. Walk-in, drive-thru, and night deposit.
Hanahan center
6330 Murray Drive, Hanahan, SC 29410. Walk-in, drive-thru, and night deposit.
How To Pay a Charleston Water System Bill Online
Start from the official CWS pay page
Open the official Charleston Water System Pay page or Where & How To Pay page. This avoids third-party payment lookalikes.
Use the new customer portal
CWS says the new online customer portal is offered through Paymentus. Register your account if your old portal username/password no longer works.
Choose payment method
The online route supports bank account payment, debit/credit cards, eCheck, and digital wallet options where available through the portal.
Review balance, bill history and delivery
Use the portal to check balance, make payment, view past bills, enroll in paperless billing, and set up AutoPay if that is your goal.
Save confirmation
Keep the confirmation number, account number, date, amount, payment method, and screenshot until the payment appears correctly in payment history.
New Paymentus Portal, AutoPay and Old Login Problems
Old login no longer works
CWS says usernames and passwords from the previous customer portal will no longer work in the new online portal.
AutoPay is in the new portal
AutoPay can be set up after registering in the new customer portal and selecting the AutoPay option.
Legacy AutoDraft
Customers who enrolled in legacy AutoDraft before August 29, 2025 were grandfathered; enrolling in new AutoPay removes legacy AutoDraft.
Charleston Water Bill Pay by Phone
Phone payment route: Call 843-727-6800 and select option 1. CWS says phone payments and account balance are available 24/7.
Accepted phone payment types: Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, and eCheck are listed under the payment options page.
Before calling
Have your CWS account number, service address, name on account, and payment method ready.
Posting warning
Payments after 5 PM, weekends, or holidays may credit next business day.
If shut off
After paying, call customer service so the account status can be reviewed.
Charleston Water Bill Payment Options Compared
| Payment method | Official detail | Best for | Customer warning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online portal | New CWS customer portal through Paymentus; check balance, pay, AutoPay, past bills, paperless billing. | Fast payment and account history. | Old portal login credentials no longer work. |
| Phone payment | Call 843-727-6800, option 1. Balance and payment available 24/7. | Automated payment without logging in online. | After-hours, weekend, or holiday payments may credit next business day. |
| AutoPay | Register in the new portal and select AutoPay; supports e-check, card, and digital wallet route through Paymentus. | Recurring automatic payment on due date. | Confirm activation before relying on it. |
| Checks or money orders only. Mail to Charleston Water System, P.O. Box 568, Charleston, SC 29402-0568. | Non-urgent payment by check/money order. | No debit/credit payments by mail. Do not mail cash. | |
| In person | Walk-in, drive-thru, and night deposit at 103 St. Philip St. and 6330 Murray Dr.; Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM. | Receipt, account help, drive-thru, night deposit. | Closed holidays. Bring account number and payment stub. |
| Authorized payment locations | Western Union centers in listed stores accept bill payments for a $1.00 fee. | Nearby in-store payment option. | After 4 PM/weekend/holiday credits next business day; call CWS if service was shut off. |
Charleston Water System Phone, Offices, Mail and Email
| Need | Official detail | Use it for |
|---|---|---|
| Customer service and emergency route | 843-727-6800 | Billing, balance, payment, account help, emergency routing and after-hours service. |
| Representative hours | Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM, closed holidays. | Live account help, service questions, payment plans, forms. |
| Non-emergency email | customerservice@charlestoncpw.com | Non-urgent questions. Do not email card, bank, or sensitive account information. |
| General correspondence | Charleston Water System, PO Box B, Charleston, SC 29402 | General mail that is not a bill payment. |
| Bill payment mail | Charleston Water System, P.O. Box 568, Charleston, SC 29402-0568 | Check or money-order payments only. |
| Downtown office | 103 St. Philip Street, Charleston, SC 29403 | Walk-in, drive-thru, night deposit, TDD unit. |
| Hanahan Customer Service Center | 6330 Murray Drive, Hanahan, SC 29410 | Walk-in, drive-thru, and night deposit payment center. |
| TDD access | 1-800-735-8583 | Customers with hearing or speech impediments. |
Start or Stop Charleston Water/Sewer Service
Use official CWS customer service forms when moving in, moving out, selling, buying, changing responsibility date, opening/closing account, or requesting temporary property-manager service.
Moving in/out
Submit a request online, call CWS, or visit an office to start or stop water/sewer service.
Property managers
CWS provides a temporary service form for rental property between tenants.
New construction
For a newly built home or business, use the Application for Service route.
Past-Due Bill, 10-Day Extension and Payment Plans
10-day extension
CWS offers a 10-day extension for customers who agree to pay the past-due balance, excluding storm drain charges, 10 days after the pay-by date.
Call required
Customers must call 843-727-6800 to make extension arrangements.
Payment plans
If you need a payment plan, call 843-727-6800 Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM.
Financial Assistance and Operation Round-Up
CWS says it is willing to work with customers to discuss account options during financial hardship. Call before the account reaches a shutoff stage.
Start with CWS
Call 843-727-6800 to discuss account options, payment plans, or current assistance routes.
PCAP assistance
CWS names Palmetto Community Action Plan as a primary community partner. PCAP phone: 844-769-6448.
Leak adjustment
CWS may adjust qualifying sewer charges when leaked water did not go into the sewer system. Toilet leaks do not qualify.
2026 Charleston Water and Sewer Calculation Details
These official 2026 examples help customers understand why the total bill changed. Always confirm live rates and account-specific charges on your current bill.
| Item | Official 2026 detail | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Usage unit | 1 Ccf = 748 gallons. | Compare usage in Ccf, not only dollars. |
| Water minimum | Most residential 3/4-inch connection: $17.25 inside city, $27.80 outside city for 0–2 Ccf. | All customers pay a minimum bill even with low use. |
| Water volume over 2 Ccf | Inside City: $2.68/Ccf; Outside City: $4.99/Ccf. | Leaks and irrigation raise the volume portion. |
| Sewer minimum | Inside City: $41.50; Outside City: $57.00. | Sewer minimum is separate from water minimum. |
| Sewer volume over 2 Ccf | Inside City: $11.29/Ccf; Outside City: $17.45/Ccf. | Sewer can be the largest part of a usage-related increase. |
| Residential sewer calculation | Single-family residential customers without a separate irrigation meter are billed for 95% of water consumption. | Separate irrigation meter status can matter. |
| Residential sewer cap | 2026 max sewer charge for residential customers without an irrigation meter: $211.98 inside city, $320.50 outside city. | Important for high-usage months. |
High Charleston Water Bill? Check Leaks Before You Pay Blindly
CWS says unusually high water bills are typically caused by a change in water use or a leak. Check these items before calling.
Toilet dye test
A running toilet can silently waste up to 200 gallons a day. Put food coloring in the tank; if color appears in the bowl, repair the flapper/valve.
Outdoor use
Check irrigation, sprinkler heads, hose bibs, outdoor faucets, pool fill, guests, lawn watering and seasonal usage.
Meter test
Turn off all water fixtures. If the meter registers movement, water is being used somewhere and you likely have a leak.
| High-bill clue | Check first | What to tell CWS |
|---|---|---|
| Usage jumped | Current Ccf vs previous bills, guests, irrigation, pool, toilets, faucets. | “My usage changed from ___ Ccf to ___ Ccf and I checked ___.” |
| Sewer charge jumped | Whether water entered sewer, irrigation meter status, leak location. | Ask if the leak may qualify for a sewer leak adjustment. |
| Faucet icon or meter movement | All fixtures off, meter movement, service line between meter and house. | Provide meter behavior, leak location and repair timeline. |
| Leak repaired | Repair receipt, photos, date found, date repaired, plumber notes. | Ask about leak adjustment form and documentation rules. |
Water Emergency, Sewer Backup, Hydrant Leak or Service Interruption
Emergency route: Call 843-727-6800. CWS says emergency service is available after business hours through the main customer-service route.
Life safety first: If there is fire, injury, immediate danger, electrical hazard, traffic danger, or a medical emergency, call 911 first.
Water issue
Report water main breaks, major pressure loss, extended interruption, water in street, or hydrant leak with exact location.
Sewer backup / overflow
Report sewer backups, overflows, or sanitary sewer issues. Avoid contact with wastewater and document damage safely.
Service interruptions
CWS posts major or extended interruptions on its homepage and automated phone system.
- Give exact address, nearest cross street, and whether nearby properties are affected.
- Say whether the issue is water, sewer, hydrant, low pressure, outage, overflow, or backup.
- Tell CWS if water or sewage is entering a road, home, business, storm drain, or yard.
- Keep callback number available until the issue is logged or routed.
Who Is Your Sewer Provider?
Charleston Water System provides billing services for other sewer utilities within its service area. Your sewer provider is listed on your bill.
If CWS is your sewer provider
Use the CWS sewer-rate and sewer-calculation pages for minimum bill, volume charge, sewer cap, and leak-adjustment rules.
If another sewer provider is listed
Use that sewer utility’s rate information or call CWS at 843-727-6800 if you need help identifying the right sewer provider.
Charleston Water Bill Decision Tool
Use this helper before you pay or call. It does not connect to CWS and does not check your live account.
For live balance, shutoff status, payment arrangement, service responsibility, emergency routing, or account-specific details, contact CWS directly.
Charleston Water System Downtown Office Map
Use this map for the Downtown Customer Service Office at 103 St. Philip Street. CWS also lists a Hanahan Customer Service Center at 6330 Murray Drive.
Downtown
103 St. Philip Street, Charleston, SC 29403. Walk-in, drive-thru, night deposit.
Hanahan
6330 Murray Drive, Hanahan, SC 29410. Walk-in, drive-thru, night deposit.
Bring with you
Bill, account number, service address, payment proof, ID if needed, move date, repair documentation, or past-due notice.
Official Charleston Water System Links Used in This Guide
Charleston Water Department FAQs
Is Charleston Water Department the same as Charleston Water System?
For Charleston, South Carolina bill payment, the official utility name is Charleston Water System. Use CharlestonWater.com and the official CWS customer portal for payments and account help.
How do I pay my Charleston water bill online?
Start from the official Charleston Water System Pay page or Where & How To Pay page, then use the new Paymentus-powered online customer portal to check balance, pay, view past bills, sign up for AutoPay, and enroll in paperless billing.
Why does my old Charleston Water online login not work?
CWS says usernames and passwords from the previous customer portal no longer work in the new customer portal. Register your account in the new portal.
What is the Charleston Water System customer service phone number?
The main customer service number is 843-727-6800. Phone payments and account balance are available 24/7; customer service representatives are available Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, closed holidays.
Can I pay my Charleston water bill by phone?
Yes. Call 843-727-6800 and select option 1 for the automated phone payment and balance system.
Where do I mail a Charleston Water System payment?
Mail checks or money orders only to Charleston Water System, P.O. Box 568, Charleston, SC 29402-0568. Do not mail cash, debit card, or credit card information.
Where are the Charleston Water System offices?
The Downtown Customer Service Office is at 103 St. Philip Street, Charleston, SC 29403. The Hanahan Customer Service Center is at 6330 Murray Drive, Hanahan, SC 29410. Both are listed for walk-in, drive-thru and night deposit service.
What should I do if my service was shut off and I paid?
If service was shut off due to nonpayment and you pay at an authorized payment location, call Charleston Water System at 843-727-6800 after paying so the account can be reviewed.
Does Charleston Water System offer payment extensions?
Yes. CWS offers a 10-day extension for eligible customers who agree to pay the past-due balance, excluding storm drain charges, 10 days after the pay-by date. Customers must call 843-727-6800 to make arrangements.
What should I check if my Charleston water bill is high?
Compare current Ccf usage with past bills, check toilets with a dye test, inspect indoor/outdoor faucets, sprinkler heads, hose bibs, service line wet spots, and meter movement when all water is off.
Does CWS offer leak adjustments?
CWS may adjust qualifying sewer charges when leaked water did not enter the sewer system. Toilet leaks do not qualify, proof of repair is required, and customers are eligible for one leak adjustment every three years.
Does this page collect Charleston water payments?
No. This is an independent informational guide. Use official Charleston Water System pages for live payment, balance, service status, AutoPay, rates, account changes and emergency routing.
Pay Your Water Bill Safely, Fix High Bills, Avoid Shutoff, Start Service and Find Official Utility Links
Use this free USA water bill assistant before paying online, calling utility billing, setting up AutoPay, checking a high bill, requesting leak help, starting or stopping service, handling a past due account, or searching for the official city utility portal.
What water bill problem do you need to solve?
Choose your situation. The tool will suggest the safest route, what to prepare, and which official page or office to check first.
Open the official city, county, water authority or utility website first. Do not enter account details into a random sponsored payment page.
If the bill is unusually high, compare usage, billing days, meter read type, toilet leaks, irrigation, late fees and leak adjustment rules before paying blindly.
Safe Water Bill Payment Route
Choose how you want to pay. This helps users avoid wrong portals, posting delays and urgent shutoff mistakes.
AutoPay / Bank Draft Setup Helper
Use this before enrolling in recurring payments so the first draft, current balance and payment date do not surprise you.
High Water Bill Review
Compare your normal bill and usage with the current bill. This gives a practical path before requesting a high bill review.
Leak Adjustment Proof Checklist
Use this before asking for a leak adjustment, high bill review, sewer adjustment or payment plan.
Past Due, Shutoff Notice and Reconnect Helper
Use this if your bill is late, you received a shutoff notice, service is off, or you need a payment plan.
Start, Stop or Transfer Water Service
Use this before moving, closing an account, starting service, transferring service or requesting a final bill.
Water Bill Cost Estimate
Estimate a simple monthly bill from base charge, water usage, sewer, stormwater, trash, service fees and late charges. Official tiered rates may be different.
Bill Dispute and Meter Reading Checklist
Use this before calling billing support about a meter reading, duplicate payment, wrong address, missing payment, estimated bill, or incorrect charge.
Official Water Bill Portal and Phone Finder
Enter city/utility and state to create safe searches for official water bill pay, phone payment, guest pay, AutoPay, start service, leak adjustment, reconnect, assistance and this site’s guide.
Official portal safety
- Use official city, county, authority or utility websites first.
- Check service address before paying.
- Save confirmation number and screenshot.
- Call the utility for shutoff or reconnect situations.
Best sitewide placement
Place this tool after the first payment section or before FAQs. It turns every water bill article into a practical help page, not only a list of links.
Important note
This tool gives educational guidance only. Always confirm payment portals, fees, shutoff rules, assistance programs, account balance and reconnection steps with the official utility.