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.
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Charleston, SC
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See how Charleston's leak reporting duty rules stack up against other locations.
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