Upcoming Rate Increase - Your Bill Explained
Important Information About Your Water Bill
A scheduled water rate adjustment will take effect beginning with your August 2026 bill.
Dear Customer,
Dorchester County Water Authority is committed to providing safe, reliable water service to our community. As part of our long-term plan to maintain and improve the water system that serves you, a scheduled water rate adjustment will take effect beginning with your August 2026 bill.
New Residential Water Rates
- Base Monthly Charge: $33.00, includes the first 2,000 gallons
- Tier 1 Usage: 2,001–6,000 gallons billed at $5.40 per 1,000 gallons
- Tier 2 Usage: Over 6,000 gallons billed at $6.60 per 1,000 gallons
Non-residential rates vary by meter size. Please contact our office for additional information.
Understanding Your Bill
DCWA bills customers once each month based on water used during the previous month. This means the water you use in one month is reflected on the following month's bill.
Example Bills
Example 1: Customer Using 2,000 Gallons
A customer using 2,000 gallons or less pays only the base monthly charge.
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Base Rate, includes first 2,000 gallons | $33.00 |
| Total Water Charge | $33.00 |
Example 2: Customer Using 13,300 Gallons
A customer with higher seasonal usage, such as lawn irrigation, may use approximately 13,300 gallons during a billing period.
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Base Rate, includes first 2,000 gallons | $33.00 |
| Tier 1 Usage, 4,000 gallons | $21.60 |
| Tier 2 Usage, 7,300 gallons | $48.18 |
| Total Water Charge | $102.78 |
Water Conservation Matters
Dorchester County is currently listed under Severe Drought conditions. We encourage customers to be mindful of water usage and take reasonable steps to conserve water whenever possible.
- Repair leaks promptly.
- Adjust irrigation schedules based on weather conditions.
- Water lawns during the early morning or evening hours.
- Avoid unnecessary outdoor water use.
- Monitor your monthly usage for unusual increases that may indicate a leak.
Even small conservation efforts across our community can have a meaningful impact on preserving local water resources.
Thank you for allowing us to serve you. We appreciate your continued trust and partnership as we work to provide reliable water service today and for future generations.
If you have any questions about your bill, water usage, or rates, please contact our Customer Service team at 843-875-0140.
Water Bill Calculator - Effective August 1st, 2026
Enter your monthly water usage in gallons to estimate your residential water charge.