Charleston Water System Citizens Academy applications open through Aug. 20!

Charleston Water System (CWS) is accepting applications from customers 18 and older for its annual Citizens Academy through Aug. 20 at www.charlestonwater.com\CitizensAcademy. Five weekly sessions held 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Tuesday evenings, Sept. 12 through Oct. 10, explore the utility’s water and sewer functions via interactive presentations, demonstrations and Q&A sessions with more than 50 employees from all levels of the organization. Behind-the-scenes access allows customers to take a deep dive into daily operational activity and challenges, as well as key water and sewer issues, and will include water and wastewater treatment plant tours.

“Our Citizens Academy gives customers a unique look at enormity of work involved in providing reliable water and sewer service to more than 500,000 people—something that most take for granted,” said Mark Cline, CEO at CWS. “This program is rooted in our commitment to customer access, transparency, knowledge and enlightenment, and we know it’s a giant success because more than 90% of graduates tell us they’re getting a great value for the cost of our services.”

Forty applicants will be selected to participate in this free customer education program. Sessions include a full catered buffet-style dinner which is available for an hour before each class. CWS strongly suggests attending all sessions, as the curriculum is continuous and follows a drop of water from start to finish throughout the utility’s water and sewer systems.

“Our staff truly makes it fun and answers every question, and our customers love every minute of it,” said Evelyn Ferguson, director of customer service at CWS. “Everyone enrolls for their own reasons, but they all graduate as CWS ambassadors capable of answering questions from their friends, family, and neighbors about the services we provide.”

Founded in 1917, CWS is a public water and wastewater utility comprised of more than 450 employees who provide water service to more than 500,000 people and sewer service to more than 190,000 people in greater Charleston. The utility’s mission is to support public health and protect the environment.