Kiawah Island Utility (KIU) was incorporated in 1975. By the end of 1976 the Utility served 143 accounts on the Island. Today, we have 4,200 accounts. Since 1978, the daily allocation of purchased water from St. Johns Water Company has grown from 800,000 to 3,600,000 gallons. Total potable water sales in 1977 equaled 36 million; last year’s potable water sales reached approximately 800 million. Our above ground water storage has increased from 1 million to 4.5 million gallons. Additional storage is provided through two Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) systems where water is stored during non-peak periods for emergencies and to offset peak demands.
In 1976 KIU was permitted to treat 194,000 gallons per day of wastewater. Today, our facility is permitted to treat 1,700,000 gallons daily. The sewage pump stations, which deliver sewage from all areas of the Island to the treatment facility, have increased from 2 in 1976 to 52 at the present time.
Over the years, KIU has made improvements that both enhance and support the sustainable supply of water and ensure adequate wastewater treatment for its customers.
