How to Pay Your Berkeley County Water and Sanitation Bill Easily

Paying your water and sanitation bill in Berkeley County is easy and convenient with the various payment options available. The county provides multiple ways to pay your bill so you can choose the method that works best for you. In this article, we’ll go over the different payment options, give tips on reading your bill, and provide answers to frequently asked questions about Berkeley County water and sanitation billing.

Overview of Berkeley County Water and Sanitation

Berkeley County Water and Sanitation (BCWS) provides drinking water and sewer service to residents and businesses in Berkeley County, South Carolina. BCWS is a public utility owned by Berkeley County and overseen by the Berkeley County Supervisor, Berkeley County Council, and BCWS Commission.

BCWS serves over 40,000 water customers and 30,000 sewer customers across the county. They operate and maintain the water and sewer infrastructure, including treatment facilities, storage tanks, pumps, mains, meters, and fire hydrants. Ensuring safe and reliable water and sewer service requires significant investments and careful management.

Customers pay for these costs and investments through their water and sewer bills BCWS bills customers monthly and offers various ways to view and pay your bill, Keep reading to learn more about understanding and paying your BCWS bill,

Payment Options for Your BCWS Bill

BCWS offers several payment options to provide convenience and flexibility

Pay Online

The easiest way to pay is online through the BCWS customer portal. You can pay with a credit/debit card or e-check. No account registration is needed to make a one-time payment.

To setup recurring payments from a checking account, you will need to register your account on the portal. The payments will automatically deduct each month, saving you time.

Pay by Phone

Call 843-719-2370 to make a payment over the phone using your credit/debit card or checking account. This is useful when you need to make a quick payment and don’t have access to the internet.

Pay by Mail

You can mail your payment to

Berkeley County Water and Sanitation
PO Box 6122
Moncks Corner, SC 29461

Mail a check or money order with your payment stub from your bill. Allow 5-7 days for the mailed payment to reach them.

Pay in Person

Bring your payment to the BCWS office at:

212 Oakley Plantation Drive
Moncks Corner, SC 29461

They accept cash, checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards. The office is open Monday – Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.

Pay at Authorized Payment Location

Take your bill to an authorized payment location to pay in person with cash or debit/credit card. Locations include:

• Publix – Nexton/Summerville
• Walmart – Nexton/Summerville
• Walmart – Goose Creek
• BI-LO – Moncks Corner
• Walmart – Moncks Corner

Pay via Text/SMS

You can make a quick one-time payment by texting PAYNOW to 843-265-2329. Reply to the text prompts to enter your account number, amount, and credit/debit card information. A $1.00 convenience fee applies to text payments.

Automatic Bank Draft

For hands-free bill payment, enroll in automatic bank drafts from your checking or savings account. Payments will automatically deduct on the due date each month, ensuring your account stays current. Complete the authorization form to enroll.

Reading and Understanding Your BCWS Bill

Your BCWS bill provides detailed information on your account, consumption, charges, payments, and balance due. Here are some tips for reading your bill:

• Account information – Lists your account number, meter number, and service address. Check that all the information is correct.

• Service period – Shows the date range for the billing period, typically the prior month.

• Consumption history – A chart shows your current and prior month’s water usage in gallons or cubic feet. Compare to see trends in your consumption.

• Meter readings – Your current and previous meter readings show how much water you used during the billing period.

• Water charges – These are the charges for your water consumption based on the utility’s volume rates. Higher use leads to higher charges.

• Sewer charges – Charges for sewer service are typically based on your water consumption. Some customers may have flat-rate sewer billing.

• Fees – Other fees related to services, repairs, or installations will appear here.

• Account balance – Shows any past due balance or credits on your account.

• Amount due – The total that must be paid by the due date to avoid penalties and disruption of service.

Carefully review the details each month to ensure accurate billing and proper crediting of your payments. Report any discrepancies right away.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are answers to some common questions about Berkeley County water and sewer bills:

What are the billing cycles?

• Bills are sent out monthly. The billing date is approximately the 25th of each month.

• Due dates are around the 15th of the following month.

What if I’m moving?

• Contact BCWS a few days before your move date to have them close out your account. You will receive a final bill that must be paid in full.

How can I check my water usage?

• Log into the customer portal to view daily consumption from your smart meter. Monitoring usage can help detect leaks.

• Compare the meter readings on your bill to see your average monthly use.

What if I’m unable to pay my bill?

• Contact BCWS right away if you expect difficulty paying your bill. They can discuss payment plan options.

• Limited financial assistance may be available for qualifying low-income households.

How can I lower my water bill?

• Fix any leaky faucets and toilets which waste water and cost money.

• Install water-efficient fixtures and appliances.

• Reduce outdoor watering and irrigation.

• Take shorter showers.

• Run full loads in your washing machine and dishwasher.

Why are my charges higher than normal?

• Check your consumption – a leak or change in usage patterns can drive up your bill.

• Rate increases will also increase your costs.

• Contact BCWS if your bill seems unusually high for your typical usage.

Can I dispute my bill?

• If you notice any incorrect charges or feel your bill is inaccurate, contact BCWS right away.

• They will investigate usage irregularities and meter issues. Credits or adjustments may be applied if needed.

Pay on Time and Avoid Disruptions

Having your water shut off for non-payment is extremely inconvenient and disruptive to your household. Avoid this by paying your BCWS bills in full and on time each month. Late fees, penalties, and shut offs can be avoided by paying by the due date or contacting BCWS if you need help with payments.

Use the convenient payment options to pay your Berkeley County water and sewer bill quickly and easily each billing cycle. Understanding your bill details allows you to closely monitor your usage and charges. Paying on time ensures uninterrupted service while keeping your account in good standing. Contact BCWS if you have any billing questions or need assistance with payments.