Utility Providers in Charleston, WV

In the spring and fall, you might notice a slight musty flavor in your tap water. This is a harmless local quirk caused by seasonal algae blooms in the Bushy Park Reservoir. It’s perfectly safe, but keeping a chilled pitcher in the fridge makes it much less noticeable.

Charleston is strict here: they will not pick up leaves or grass clippings in plastic bags. You have to use the large brown paper recyclable bags. Also, never rake leaves into the street; they’ll clog the storm drains and turn the next afternoon rainstorm into a private lake on your block.

We occasionally get “sunny day flooding” from exceptionally high tides. If a King Tide hits on your trash morning, the trucks might be delayed because they can’t get through flooded streets. Check the Tide Alerts so you know when to keep your bins on higher ground so they don’t float away.

If you’re in the Historic District, the Board of Architectural Review (BAR) has a say in your exterior. You can’t just slap a satellite dish or a modern AC condenser anywhere visible from the street. You might need a Certificate of Appropriateness before your utility tech starts drilling.

If you see barricades and the sun is out, a high tide is likely pushing water into the streets. Don’t drive through it! The saltwater is brutal on your car’s undercarriage, and the wake from your tires can push water right into the crawlspaces of historic homes.

Since sewer fees are tied to water use, a big garden gets pricey. A classic Charleston move is to install a separate irrigation meter. It costs a bit more upfront, but the water going to your lawn won’t be charged sewer fees, which saves a fortune during the hot summer months.