Drinking water and wastewater treatment are managed under the Town’s Water & Sewer Department. The Department consists of seven full-time employees, including one departmental manager and one full-time billing clerk who operates from Town Hall. There are five licensed water and sewer operators holding South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) certifications in the area of water treatment, water distribution and wastewater treatment. All employee certifications are maintained through continuing education, training and are geared to meet the facility’s state permitting requirements.  

Billing and Account Services

Residential water usage data is maintained by a touch-read computerized meter reading system that allows meters to be read once per month and easily downloaded for review and billing. The Town contracts a water and wastewater rate study to review our rate structure periodically. FY2025 Rates and Fees (PDF) reflects our current rates and fees. Water and sewer rates are considered by Town Council and passed by resolution should they change.  In 2017 the Town launched their online services to allow residents to view your bill, monitor your usage and pay your bill online. 

Where is my Water Service Shut Off Valve

Turn your water supply off at the customer shut off valve located adjacent to your water meter. The customer shut off valve is located between 3-6 inches next to your water meter near your property line (see pic below, left). It may be grown over with grass.  It is a small, round, green cap about 6 inches in diameter. Lift the top and turn the handle inside. It should drain for a minute or two (valve 1). This drain back feature is designed to drain your water line from the house. Verify this drainage stops before walking away. Make sure you open/close this valve fully (1/4 turn) or you may have excessive leakage. Valve example 2 is simple a ¼ turn on or off PVC valve with No drain back feature. If you have trouble locating or using your customer shut off valve, please call and we will gladly assist you. 843-883-5749.

Drinking Water Quality Report

The Safe Drinking Water Act of 1996 requires that each community water system provide an Annual Drinking Water Quality Report to all of its customers. This information is provided by the Town of Sullivan’s Island and Charleston Water Systems for the reporting period of January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2023.

Link to Sullivan's Island Water Quality Reports

Water Supply 

Since the Town’s inception, shallow and deep-water wells served as the primary water supply to the Island inhabitants. In the early 1990s, the Town initiated a contract to begin purchasing water from Charleston Water System (CWS), the primary water distribution agency for the greater Charleston area. CWS currently supplies water to Sullivan’s Island and Isle of Palms by way of a 24-inch water line that runs under the Charleston Harbor and is accessed from the western tip of the Island. This water main runs along Middle Street right-of-way for the entire length of the Island.  The Town’s current contract with CWS provides a limit of 750,000 gallons per day for Sullivan’s Island use. However, the Island maintains an emergency water agreement with Isle of Palms Water and Sewer Commission in the event of a CWS failure from the Charleston Harbor Pipeline. Additionally, the Town maintains two deep wells for water pressure in the event of an emergency.

Sullivan's Island Public Safety & Emergency Alert System

The Town of Sullivan's Island has partnered with Everbridge to bring you up-to-date alerts from the Police Department and the Water & Sewer Department. Registration is free and you will be alerted via text message or email. Click here to sign up today! NOTE:  Please check with your cell phone provider for fees to receive text messages. 

Employment Opportunities

Water & Wastewater Operator III
Salary: $25.33 - $38.35 Hourly + Benefits DOQ
Position open until filled.
Job Advertisement & Description

Sullivan's Island is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants must submit a Town employment application for hiring consideration. All applications may be submitted to Town Hall for consideration. You may submit your application through mail to Town of Sullivan's Island, Attn: Human Resources, PO Box 427, Sullivan's Island, SC 29482.