Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I find out about available positions in the PSD and how can I apply for jobs? What is the hiring process like? Visit the Employment section of this web site, call Human Resources, view the human resources bulletins posted in individual departments or stop by the Human Resources Department 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday -Thursday.
   
   
2. What's the difference between Garbage and Trash? Garbage is defined as household waste, including material associated with the handling, preparation, cooking and serving of foods, and other organic matter. Garbage includes, but is not limited to, small cardboard containers, cans, paper products, plastics and similar related items. Trash includes four categories which must be placed out in separate piles. These include White Goods, Furniture/Building materials, Yard Waste, and Leaves/Grass Clippings.
   
   
3. I had my trash out on time, but the trash truck did not stop at my house or did not get all the trash? Is your trash sorted into like items? We are unable to pick up mixed loads of trash. If the truck only got part of your trash, there should be another truck coming later. Usually a different truck will come by to pick up the different types of trash so it does not get mixed in the truck. The landfill will not allow us to dump mixed loads.
   
   
4. I am a new wastewater customer - What must I do? If wastewater service is being provided to your neighborhood for the first time, the District will notify you by letter about exact requirements, with specific forms you must fill out. If you do not wish to wait, you may contact our Customer Service Office @ (843) 795-9060 for assistance. If you are constructing a new home or building in an area where sewer service is already available, you must apply for new service by requesting a "Letter of Availability". Complete the "Sewer Availability Form" and fax to the number listed on the form. A written response will be mailed to you.
   
   
5. What if I have questions about my account and how can I pay my account? Call our Customer Service Department at (843) 795-9060 between 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday -Thursday or stop by our office @ 1739 Signal Point Road on James Island. Payments may be made by enrolling in Automatic Draft, MC/VISA, Cash or Check.
   
   
6. How is my bill calculated? Because it is not cost effective to meter wastewater use, your bill is based on the amount of water that passes through your meter. Wastewater charges are based on either metered "city" water usage provided by Charleston Water Systems (CWS) or by fixture Units established by the Southern Standard Building Code for properties on wells.
   
   
7. What if my wastewater is backed up or overflowing in my house? Within business hours (7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday -Thursday) or call (843) 795-9060 or after hours and weekends call (843) 795-2094.
   
   
8. How do we get on your bidder's list for various services and products? Please mail an introduction letter to the attention of the Deputy Manager/CFO, indicating what type of bid list you would like your company to be placed on, and the services or products you provide and you will be placed on that/those particular bid list(s).
   
   
9. May a vendor see copies of bids prior to award? If so, where? A vendor may review copies of the bids prior to award, after the bid opening, in the office of the Deputy Manager/CFO, by appointment.
   
   
10. What do I do if I have a wastewater odor in my house? The JIPSD offers free smoke tests to customers to check for leaks in the plumbing system.
    
    
11. What is the number for Palmetto Utility Protection Services (P.U.P.S.) locating service? 1-888-721-7877 from 7:30am to 5:30pm Monday thru Friday.
    
    
12. How do I get a letter of wastewater availability? An availability form can be picked up at the JIPSD office or one can be faxed or mailed to you. Return the completed form to the JIPSD office. An availability letter will be mailed to you.
    
    
13. If wastewater is not available to my property, what should I do? Contact SCDHEC at 202-7020 for information on a septic system.
    
    
14. How much are tap and impact fees for wastewater? Tap fees are $400 and impact fees are $1,900.
    
    
15. Do I need to have a new service inspected? The JIPSD will need to inspect the connection at the tap once a wastewater service is installed. Call the JIPSD Wastewater Department to schedule an inspection. Also check with the issuer of the permit for further inspections.

Do you have a question that is not present? Then Submit your questions here. Just fill out the requested info below and we will answer your question personally and maybe it will join our list.