Charleston Water System operates a 24/7 leak hotline for main breaks, hydrants, and meter issues, and offers customers leak adjustment credits when household leaks cause unusually high bills.
Charleston Water System (CWS) maintains a 24-hour emergency line at 843-727-6800 for water main breaks, broken hydrants, and visible leaks on public infrastructure. Customers can also report online via the CWS portal. For private leaks, CWS offers a one-time leak adjustment credit per 12-month period if the customer documents repair within 30 days. The credit averages 50% of consumption above normal usage. Mt. Pleasant Waterworks and other suburban utilities have similar policies. Suspected sewer line problems should be reported separately to the appropriate utility.
No penalties for reporting; failure to repair private leaks promptly results in continued high billing. Tampering with hydrants or meters triggers misdemeanor charges and restitution.
See how Charleston's leak reporting duty rules stack up against other locations.
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