Camden Utility Help Desk: Pay, Log In, Call or Start Service
Use this guide when you need one fast answer: where to pay, how to log in, when bills are due, what happens after a cutoff notice, how to start service, and which Camden office handles water, sewer, electric, sanitation, and account questions.
Camden Utilities Quick Action Board
| Need | Use this official route | Have ready | Do not miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pay a Camden utility bill | City of Camden online account login | Email address, password, account details, payment card. | Debit/credit card payments carry a 2.5% convenience fee. |
| Recover or register login | Login / Password Recovery / Register | Email address tied to the account. | The login page says customers who used account number + password should now begin using email address + same password. |
| Ask about bill, balance or power outage | 803-432-2421 | Service address, account name, bill date, due date, payment proof. | Finance Department hours are Monday-Friday, 8:15 AM-5:00 PM. |
| Pay in person | City Hall, 1000 Lyttleton Street, Camden, SC 29020 | Bill, ID, payment method, any cutoff notice. | Use Finance Department / drive-thru window during posted hours. |
| Use night deposit | Drive-up night deposit box or porch entrance night deposit box | Check or money order with account details. | Do not put cash in a night deposit box. |
| Start residential service | Apply in person at Customer Service Office inside City Hall | Lease/proof of ownership, phone number, IDs for each adult. | $25 service charge; $300 refundable deposit for non-owner occupied residential locations. |
| Senior / disability bill credit | Senior Rate Credit application | Age/disability proof and income documentation. | Eligible customers may qualify for a $25 monthly credit and must confirm status at least once per year. |
Cutoff warning: Camden says balances not paid by 5:00 PM the day before the cutoff date shown on the bill may be disconnected and charged a $40 service charge. Call before paying if your bill is already near cutoff.
Official Camden Utility Contact Details
Customer Service / Utility Billing
City Hall
1000 Lyttleton Street
Camden, SC 29020
Phone: 803-432-2421
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:15 AM-5:00 PM
Water & Sewer
Water customers: about 6,900
Average water treated: 2.5 million gallons per day
Water source: Lake Wateree
Electric Utility
Electric customers: about 11,000
24-hour on-call truck: available for electric service assistance.
Call: 803-432-2421
| Department / contact | Official detail | Use for |
|---|---|---|
| Finance / Utility Billing | 1000 Lyttleton Street, Camden, SC 29020; 803-432-2421 | Bill pay, login help, service setup, deposits, payment posting, penalties, cutoff questions. |
| Director of Finance | Tori Smith, 803-432-2421 x1168, vsmith@camdensc.org | Finance escalation when normal utility billing cannot resolve an issue. |
| Finance Supervisor | Stephanie Bowers, 803-432-2421 x1134, sbowers@camdensc.org | Payment/account follow-up and finance office routing. |
| Business License Specialist / bank draft email | Shannon Roach, 803-432-2421 x1121, sroach@camdensc.org | Bank draft form email route and business-license related utility setup questions. |
| Director of Public Utilities | Jack Thornsberry, 803-432-2421 x1144, jthornsberry@camdensc.org | Water, sewer, electric utility operations escalation. |
| Sanitation Department | 803-425-6045 | Collection requests, bulk waste / white goods scheduling, sanitation service issues. |
Pay or Log In: Exact Steps
Open the official login page
Use secure.cityofcamden.org/ols/login.php. This is the City of Camden online account access page.
Use email login, not old account-number login
The account login page says customers who previously logged in with account number and password should begin using their email address and the same password.
Choose login, password recovery or register
The online page shows options for Login, Password Recovery and Register. Use Register if your online profile is not active yet.
Review, print and pay
The City’s FAQ says customers can review, print and pay utility bills online. Debit and credit cards are accepted online.
Save payment proof
Keep confirmation number, date/time, amount, last four digits, and screenshot. Call 803-432-2421 if the payment is tied to cutoff protection.
| Payment method | Official Camden detail | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online debit/credit card | Online bill pay allows review, print and payment; debit/credit cards accepted. | Fast payment and account access. | 2.5% convenience fee applies. |
| Automatic bank draft | Free service, no additional fees; drafted on due date; customer receives monthly bill as usual. | Customers who want to avoid missed due dates. | Bring form to City Hall with voided check or email to sroach@camdensc.org with clear routing/account numbers. |
| In person | Camden City Hall, 1000 Lyttleton Street. | Cash, check, debit/credit card or money order. | Debit/credit card convenience fee applies. |
| Drive-thru Finance window | Finance Dept / Drive Thru Window, Monday-Friday, 8:15 AM-5:00 PM except holidays. | Quick in-person payment without parking long. | Check holiday closures before going. |
| Night deposit boxes | Drive-up night deposit box at parking lot entrance and porch entrance box at Finance Department. | After-hours check or money-order payment. | Do not use cash; include account details. |
| Use U.S. Postal Service to City Hall / City of Camden billing address. | Normal bills with enough time before due date. | Too slow for cutoff or late-payment deadlines. |
Due Dates, Penalty and Cutoff Rules
Billing cycles
City utilities are billed in two cycles each month.
Due dates
Utility payments are due on either the 4th or the 20th of the month.
Penalty
A 5% penalty is charged on amounts not paid by 5:00 PM on the due date.
Cutoff service charge
Unpaid balance by 5:00 PM the day before the cutoff date may lead to disconnection and a $40 service charge.
If you received a cutoff notice: call 803-432-2421 before paying online. Ask what exact amount and payment method protects service today.
Start Residential or Commercial Service
Camden’s utility setup is not fully online. The City FAQ says residential customers must come to the Customer Service Office at City Hall and apply in person.
Residential service checklist
- Name of person requesting service.
- Service address.
- Date service is requested.
- Phone number.
- Name of spouse/partner.
- Copy of lease/rental agreement if renting.
- Copy of proof of ownership if purchasing.
- Two forms of ID for each adult living at the residence.
Fees and timing
- $25 service charge is required at time of service request.
- $300 refundable deposit is required for non-owner occupied residential locations.
- Apply before 2:00 PM for residential service and connection can usually be made same day.
- Requests after 2:00 PM are scheduled for the next working day.
- Commercial service requires 3-5 business days to connect.
| Applicant type | What Camden requires | Important note |
|---|---|---|
| Residential owner | Apply in person, proof of ownership, two forms of ID for each adult, phone number and service address. | $25 setup fee. Proof of ownership may include HUD statement or deed. |
| Residential renter | Apply in person, copy of lease/rental agreement, ID requirements, phone number and service address. | $300 refundable deposit for non-owner occupied residential locations. |
| Commercial account | Apply at City Hall; ID requirements same as residential; electric load profile questionnaire and water survey questionnaire required. | Deposit varies by prior billing history of location. Business license application may occur at the same time. |
Water & Sewer Details Searchers Actually Need
Water source and treatment
Raw water is drawn from Lake Wateree and pumped to the City’s water treatment facility.
Treatment capacity: 6 million gallons per day.
Water system size
Camden serves about 6,900 water customers and averages about 2.5 million gallons per day.
The system includes over 166 miles of water mains and transmission lines.
Sewer / wastewater
The sewer system serves over 3,950 customers.
The wastewater treatment plant has a 4 million gallon per day capacity and was placed into operation in February 2014.
| Service topic | Camden official detail | User action |
|---|---|---|
| Water service area | All properties within city limits and immediately surrounding areas. | Call 803-432-2421 before assuming a property outside city limits is served. |
| Water mains | Over 166 miles of water mains/transmission lines from 0.75 inch to 36 inches. | Useful for service extension, taps, subdivision and construction questions. |
| Storage tanks | Four elevated water storage tanks with total capacity of 1.1 million gallons. | Useful context for pressure/storage questions. |
| Sewer service area | All properties within city limits and two miles east along Hwy #1. | Confirm availability before buying, building or requesting connection. |
| Sewer infrastructure | Over 84 miles of gravity lines, 14 miles of force main, and lift stations. | Report backups quickly; do not wait if wastewater is entering a home. |
| Water quality | City says sampling/testing methods approved by EPA and South Carolina DHEC are used. | Use the CCR page for annual drinking water reports. |
Official water/sewer resources:
Taps, Meters, Irrigation and Backflow: Practical Rules
New water tap / meter
- Application for service must be made to the Finance Department at City Hall before connection to a City water main.
- Capacity fees and/or new account fees must be paid before service connection.
- City Water Department personnel make water-main connections, provide the service line to the edge of the property line, and install the water meter.
- The City provides potable water and irrigation meters.
Irrigation / backflow
- Irrigation systems are treated as potential backflow hazards.
- Owners must install, maintain and provide yearly inspection documentation on approved backflow prevention devices.
- All irrigation systems require at least a double-check valve assembly.
- Water service will not be provided until the City-specified device is installed, inspected and documented.
Private well warning: Camden policy says no connection between the City water system and a private well is allowed. Cross-connection issues can lead to immediate disconnection and inspection requirements.
Senior Rate Credit: $25 Monthly Bill Credit
Who may qualify?
City of Camden customers age 65 or older with total family income below 200% of the federal poverty level for a family of 2.
Disability route
Customers who are totally and permanently disabled under SSI definition and meet the income rule may also qualify.
Annual confirmation
Customers must confirm status at least once per year. One credit is allowed per month regardless of number of accounts.
| Application route | Documents mentioned | Where to send / ask |
|---|---|---|
| Age 65+ route | Driver’s license, photo ID or birth certificate; most recent tax return. | Use the online page or PDF route; questions: 803-432-2421. |
| Disability route | SSI Direct Deposit from banking institution or SSI approval letter; most recent tax return. | Email completed PDF and documentation to sroach@camdensc.org if using the PDF option. |
| Scam protection | The City warns about telephone scams offering rebates to utility bills. | Do not give card information to unsolicited callers offering refunds or rebates. |
Need Help Paying the Utility Bill?
| Resource | Phone / detail | What to ask for |
|---|---|---|
| Wateree Community Actions – Kershaw County Office | 803-722-0059 | Utility assistance, household eligibility, required documents. |
| United Way of Kershaw County | 803-432-5456 | Local referrals, emergency assistance, partner agencies. |
| Christian Community Ministries | 803-432-1431 | Utility help, food, emergency household needs. |
| SC Homeowner Rescue Program | 803-702-5222 | Homeowner utility/housing-related assistance eligibility. |
| Weatherization Assistance Program | Kenneth Barnes: 803-250-2984 | Energy-saving home improvements for qualifying South Carolina households. |
| SC211 | SC211.org | Additional community assistance and referral options. |
Related Camden Utility Services on the Same Bill
Electric utility
- About 11,000 customers.
- Service includes all properties within city limits and unincorporated areas in Kershaw, Lee and Sumter counties.
- System includes about 650 miles of electric lines and three substations connected by fiber optic cable.
- On-call truck provides 24-hour service.
- Call 803-432-2421 for electric service assistance.
Sanitation & recycling
- Sanitation fees are included in the monthly utility bill.
- Questions or collection requests: 803-425-6045.
- Damaged roll carts/recycling bins: call 803-432-2421.
- Household garbage and recyclables are picked up once a week.
- Recycling is collected on the same day as household garbage.
| Sanitation issue | Camden rule | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Roll cart placement | Place roll carts at the curb the night before designated pickup day. | Do not wait until morning; pickup may happen before the normal designated day. |
| Backyard pickup | Available to disabled homeowners with written doctor verification when no one in the home can move the cart. | Mail to City of Camden, ATTN: Backyard Pickup, P.O. Box 7002, Camden, SC 29021 or fax 803-425-7693. |
| Bulk waste / white goods | Up to 3 cubic yards may be collected once per month by scheduling with Sanitation. | Call 803-425-6045. Fee is billed to utility account. |
| Yard debris / trash limit | More than 8 cubic yards is unlawful and may trigger additional charges. | Keep yard debris separate and away from storm drains, gutters, streets and sidewalks. |
| Electronics | Computers, monitors, printers and TVs cannot be placed in trash for collection. | Use Kershaw County recycling center options. |
Water Quality Report and CCR
The City’s Consumer Confidence Report page says CCRs provide important information about drinking water and the water system’s efforts to provide safe drinking water.
Latest listed report
The City lists CCR 2024 along with earlier annual reports going back to 2012.
Spanish notice
The CCR page includes a Spanish notice advising readers to translate or speak with someone who understands the report.
Water service questions
For additional water or sewer service questions, the City directs users to call 803-432-2421.
Official water quality links:
Camden City Hall Map
Use this location for utility billing, in-person service setup, Finance Department payments, drive-thru payment, and account questions.
| Location | Address / route | Use for |
|---|---|---|
| City Hall / Utility Billing | 1000 Lyttleton Street, Camden, SC 29020 | Bill pay, start service, deposits, payment disputes, service questions, business license and permit payments. |
| Finance Dept / Drive-Thru Window | City Hall, Monday-Friday 8:15 AM-5:00 PM except holidays | In-person payment without going deep into the building. |
| Drive-up night deposit box | Parking lot entrance | After-hours check/money-order payment. |
| Porch entrance night deposit box | Finance Department porch entrance | After-hours check/money-order payment. |
| Mail route | City of Camden / City Hall billing address | Normal mailed payments when not close to penalty or cutoff deadline. |
Camden Water Utilities FAQ
What is the Camden utility bill phone number?
Call 803-432-2421 for utility billing, bill questions, payment questions, service setup and electric service assistance.
Where do I pay a Camden utility bill online?
Use the official City of Camden account login at secure.cityofcamden.org/ols/login.php. The page offers Login, Password Recovery and Register options.
What changed with Camden online login?
The login page says customers who used account number and password should begin using their email address and the same password so connected accounts can be managed under one login.
Where is the Camden Utility Billing Department?
The Utility Billing Department is inside City Hall at 1000 Lyttleton Street, Camden, SC 29020.
What are Camden utility billing hours?
Utility billing / Finance Department hours are Monday through Friday, 8:15 AM to 5:00 PM, except holidays.
When are Camden utility bills due?
City utility services are billed in two cycles each month, with payments due on the 4th or the 20th.
What is the late penalty?
A 5% penalty is charged on amounts not paid by 5:00 PM on the due date.
What happens before disconnection?
Any balance not paid by 5:00 PM the day before the cutoff date shown on the utility bill is subject to disconnection and a $40 service charge.
Does Camden charge a card fee?
Yes. Camden’s utility FAQ says there is a 2.5% convenience fee for debit or credit card transactions, including online payments.
Can I set up automatic bank draft?
Yes. The City describes automatic bank draft as a free service with no additional fees. It drafts on the due date, and customers still receive the monthly bill as usual.
How do I start residential utility service?
Apply in person at the Customer Service Office in City Hall. Bring service address, requested service date, phone number, lease or ownership proof, and two forms of ID for each adult living at the residence.
Is a residential deposit required?
A $300 refundable deposit is required on all non-owner occupied residential locations. A $25 service charge is required at the time of service request.
How fast can Camden connect new service?
If a residential service application is made before 2:00 PM, connection can usually be made the same day. Requests after 2:00 PM are scheduled for the next working day. Commercial service requires 3-5 business days.
Who qualifies for the $25 Senior Rate Credit?
Customers may qualify if they are age 65 or older and meet income rules, or if they are totally and permanently disabled under SSI definition and meet the income rule. Status must be confirmed at least once per year.
Where does Camden’s water come from?
Camden draws raw water from Lake Wateree and pumps it to the water treatment facility.
How many water customers does Camden serve?
The City states it serves approximately 6,900 water customers and treats an average of 2.5 million gallons of water per day.
Where can I find Camden water quality reports?
Use the official Consumer Confidence Reports page, which lists CCR 2024 and earlier reports.
Who handles sanitation questions?
Questions or collection requests may be directed to the Sanitation Department at 803-425-6045. Damaged roll carts and recycling bins can be reported at 803-432-2421.
30-Second Camden Utility Checklist
Paying online? Open official login → use email/password → check card fee → save confirmation.
Near cutoff? Call 803-432-2421 before paying. Ask exact amount, deadline and whether online payment protects service.
Starting service? Go to City Hall with lease/ownership proof, phone number and two IDs for each adult. Plan around the 2:00 PM same-day connection cutoff.
Water or sewer question? Camden water comes from Lake Wateree; service questions go through 803-432-2421.
Need help? Ask about Senior Rate Credit, local assistance agencies, and SC211 before the cutoff date.