Do you use a lot of water for watering your lawn or filling your pool? If so, you may be able to reduce your monthly wastewater bill by getting a separate irrigation account—a water meter exclusively for outdoor water use.

The frequently asked questions below will help you determine if an irrigation meter is a good fit for you.

For more information, please contact our Customer Service Department at (843) 727-6800 or send us an e-mail.

Frequently Asked Questions What’s the advantage in getting a separate irrigation account? How much does it cost to install a residential irrigation meter? How much does it cost to install a commercial irrigation meter? How much will I save on my monthly bill if I install an irrigation meter? How do I apply for an irrigation meter? How long will it take to get an irrigation meter installed? Who installs the irrigation meter? Who can I contact for more information? What is a backflow device? Have a question that's not answered here? E-mail us!     What’s the advantage in getting a separate irrigation account? The advantage is this: You won’t pay wastewater charges on the water you use outdoors. You will continue to pay wastewater charges for your residential account that supplies your home, but those charges will be based on your indoor water usage, which typically decreases when you begin using your irrigation meter for outdoor watering. Back to top How much does it cost to install a residential irrigation meter? The total cost to install a ¾” domestic irrigation meter is $530. That includes a $500 tap fee, which covers the cost for Charleston Water System to install and connect the new meter, and a $30 account origination fee. This fee is nonrefundable or transferable. It’s important to note that irrigation accounts require you to install a backflow prevention device and have it tested annually by an approved tester. A certified plumber or contractor can install a backflow preventer for you. The cost will depend on the type of device required and the installation labor. Annual testing is needed and fees vary, so it’s a good idea to call around for pricing, but be sure to use a Charleston Water System approved tester. Click here to learn more about backflow prevention and our requirements. Back to top     How much does it cost to install a commercial irrigation meter? Commercial accounts are charged both a tap and impact fee based on meter size. In most cases, an irrigation meter can be very cost effective because commercial accounts are charged wastewater based on 100 percent of their water use fees. Tap and impact fees cover the cost for the Charleston Water System distribution system to install and connect the new meter. A $30 account origination fee is also charged for creation of the new account. This fee is nonrefundable and nontransferable. It’s important to note that irrigation accounts require installation of a backflow prevention device. These devices must be tested annually by an approved tester. A plumber or contractor can install a backflow preventer for you. The cost will be determined by the type of device required and the installation labor. Annual testing fees vary, so it’s a good idea to call around for pricing, but be sure to use a Charleston Water System approved tester. Click here to learn more about backflow prevention and our requirements. Back to top     How much will I save on my monthly bill if I install an irrigation meter? Your savings and payback period will depend on where you live and how much water you use. Here’s how to calculate your potential savings: Calculate your average monthly wastewater bill. Let’s say that’s $50.50. Now subtract that from the maximum wastewater charge. If you live inside the City of Charleston limits, it’s $114.83 (outside is $158.25). Now subtract the minimum monthly irrigation charge of $9.55 ($16.10) for outside-city customers. In this case, the potential monthly savings would be $52.13. Most customers see a payback on the up-front cost of installing the irrigation meter in four to five years. For a savings and payback period estimate, please contact us at (843) 727-6800, or send us an e-mail. One important thing to consider is how getting an irrigation meter will affect your domestic wastewater bill if you live in a single family home. You don’t pay wastewater charges for an irrigation meter, but your wastewater bill for your residential account will increase slightly because your domestic wastewater chargers will be calculated based on 100% of your domestic water usage instead of 95%. Back to top     How do I apply for an irrigation meter? Complete the Application for Service Form. If you have any questions, contact us at (843) 727-6800 or send us an e-mail. Back to top     How long will it take to get an irrigation meter installed? It typically takes four to six weeks from the time you apply and pay for an irrigation account to the time it is installed. Before the water will be turned on, you must have your backflow preventer inspected by Charleston Water System. The preventer must then be tested by a certified tester within 30 days. Click here to learn more about our backflow prevention requirements. Back to top     Who installs the irrigation meter? Charleston Water System will install the irrigation meter next to your existing domestic meter and connect it to your water service line.  Everything else—the backflow preventer and irrigation system—must be installed by a plumber or contractor. Back to top     Who can I contact for more information? Please contact our Customer Service Department at (843Z) 727-6800 or via e-mail at newsrv@charlestoncpw.com.  Back to top