Charleston has long grappled with sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs), where untreated sewage spills into streets and waterways, posing significant public health risks. These incidents often occur during heavy rainfall, overwhelming the city’s aging sewer infrastructure.
In response, the Charleston Water System (CWS) has entered into a pre-suit agreement with the Southern Environmental Law Center and Charleston Waterkeeper. This agreement mandates expedited inspections, repairs, and replacements of the sewer system, along with more rigorous pipe inspections and public quarterly reports on progress. Additionally, a customer notification system will alert residents to overflows in their area. CWS has also committed to a grant program assisting homeowners with leaking sewer line connections, offering $50,000 annually for five years.
Wesley Ropp, CWS CEO, emphasized the organization’s dedication to resolving these issues, stating, “We look forward to honoring our commitments as part of the agreement and continuing to work with Charleston Waterkeeper on achieving our mutual goals.”
Residents are encouraged to stay informed by signing up for customer alert notifications to receive updates on sewage overflows.