Charleston Water System (CWS) and Charleston Waterkeeper resolved a two-year dispute with an agreement targeting chronic sanitary sewage overflows in West Ashley, particularly around Donahue Drive. The issue, involving raw sewage spilling into streets and yards during heavy rain, prompted a 2024 notice of intent to sue under the Clean Water Act by Waterkeeper, represented by the Southern Environmental Law Center.
Key Commitments
CWS will expedite pipe inspections, repairs, and replacements, provide quarterly public reports on progress, and launch a notification system for residents to receive overflow alerts. A five-year grant program offers $50,000 annually to reimburse property owners replacing old vitrified clay pipes.
Broader Context
The agreement highlights CWS’s $250 million wastewater master plan, including tunnels and pump stations to combat sea level rise and growth, building on prior investments after taking over the problematic St. Andrews PSD system in 1995. Charleston Waterkeeper notes bacteria from overflows threatens waterway recreation, with this deal accelerating root-cause fixes.
