Charleston, July 25, 2025
News Summary
Charleston will change its stormwater fee collection from monthly water bills to property tax bills starting in December 2025. The transition aims to improve funding for flood-related projects and alleviate billing confusion for renters. Homeowners will see a one-time charge of $132 on their property tax bills, resulting in a $11 decrease in monthly water bills. This change is expected to increase annual revenue by approximately $2 million, while exemptions for seniors and disabled individuals remain available through the Homestead Exemption.
Charleston is set to change the way it collects its stormwater fee, shifting from its current model of including the charge in monthly water bills to collecting it directly through property tax bills starting in December 2025. The stormwater fee, which adds $11 to monthly Charleston Water System (CWS) bills, will instead be a one-time charge of $132 included in annual property tax bills issued by both Charleston and Berkeley counties.
This transition aims to bolster funding for flood-related projects and address existing issues where renters had been incurring the stormwater fee through their water bills. As a result of this change, property owners will first encounter the fee on their property tax bills in the fall of 2025, with payments due in early 2026. Although the annual stormwater fee amount will remain unchanged, the modification to the billing process will lower monthly water bills by $11.
City officials expect that the collection of stormwater fees will increase by approximately $2 million yearly due to the higher likelihood of property tax payments being received on time compared to utility bills. With this adjustment, renters will no longer see a charge for the stormwater fee on their water bills, shifting the financial responsibility to property owners, who may adjust rental prices to offset the additional tax costs.
Since the inception of the fee in 1996, Charleston has handled the stormwater charge via monthly utility bills, successfully collecting an estimated total of $13 million annually. These funds are crucial as they support stormwater management operations and contribute to flood control projects. However, it is important to note that homeowners aged 65 and older, or those with disabilities, may qualify for an exemption from the stormwater fee if they obtain the Homestead Exemption. To benefit from this exemption, they must follow a specific process laid out by the city.
Notably, other municipalities within Charleston County such as North Charleston and Mount Pleasant have already adopted the practice of collecting stormwater fees through property tax bills. This shift to property tax billing is anticipated to lower collection costs as Charleston previously paid CWS a 4 percent fee for utility bill collection—now, that fee will be supplanted by a 2 percent fee charged by the county, with no upper limit on the amount due.
This decision comes amidst a backdrop of heightened concerns regarding flooding in Charleston, which has seen a marked increase in flooding events over the past few decades. The city is committed to improving its flood management strategies and infrastructure as part of its ongoing initiatives.
Key Changes Summary
| Feature | Current Method | New Method Starting December 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Fee Collection | Monthly water bills | Annual property tax bills |
| Fee Amount | $11 a month | $132 a year |
| Impact on Water Bills | $11 additional | $11 lower monthly |
| Projected Revenue Increase | – | ~$2 million annually |
| Exemptions | Available via Homestead Exemption | Same conditions apply |
Frequently Asked Questions
How will this change affect my water bill?
This change will lower your monthly water bill by $11, as the stormwater fee will no longer be part of your water bill.
When will I see this new charge on my property tax bill?
The new stormwater fee will be added to property tax bills in the fall of 2025, with payment due in early 2026.
What if I am a renter?
As a renter, you will no longer directly pay the stormwater fee; the responsibility will shift to the property owner. Property owners may adjust rental prices accordingly.
Can I be exempt from the stormwater fee?
Homeowners aged 65 and older or those with disabilities may qualify for an exemption through the Homestead Exemption by following the required process.
Why is Charleston making this change?
The city aims to increase funding for flood-related projects, improve revenue collections, and address discrepancies in fee payments among renters and homeowners.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Charleston County Launches $2.7 Million Drainage Project
Downtown Charleston to Undergo Major Road Work Soon
Charleston County Launches Central Park Road Flooding Project
Charleston County Approves $3 Million Road Safety Project
Charleston Considers Affordable Housing Amid Flood Risks
Landmark Construction Company Initiates Project Connect in Blythewood, SC
Additional Resources
- ABC News: New Flash Flood Warning Criteria
- Wikipedia: Flash Flood
- Fox Weather: Charleston Flood Alerts
- Google Search: Charleston Flood News
- Spectrum Local News: Flash Flood Criteria Changes
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flood
- Herald Online: Weather News
- Google News: Charleston Weather
- Travel and Tour World: Enhanced Flood Warnings
- Google Scholar: Flood Management Charleston
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
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