Before arriving at the Plum Island or Daniel Island Wastewater Treatment Plants, wastewater travels through miles of sewer lines.

Charleston Water System has more than 8,500 manholes and 500 miles of sewer mains, including gravity and force mains.  Because of Charleston's flat topography, Charleston Water System has a large number of pump stations (about 180), which are necessary to pump wastewater to our treatment plant.

The Wastewater Collection Department is responsible for operating and maintaining the sewer system, including cleaning manholes, conducting smoke and dye testing to reduce infiltration and inflow, and other corrective and preventative maintenance activities.

In 2009, our Wastewater Collection Department received a National Environmental Achievement Award from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies for it's Infiltration/Inflow Reduction Program. This project eliminated sources of rainwater in the sewer system, which takes up needed capacity and can cause sewer overflows during heavy rainfall.