Independent Water Department Guide: WaterDepartmentGuide.org is an independent informational resource. It is not operated by, affiliated with, or endorsed by Caldwell County Government, Caldwell County Water Department, the City of Lenoir, Town of Granite Falls, City of Hickory, or another government agency.
Use official Caldwell County sources for payments, account changes, tap applications, emergency reporting, drought restrictions and other consequential utility decisions. Rates, fees and procedures can change.
Caldwell County Water Department 2026: Phone, Address & Hours
Caldwell County, North Carolina water customer guide
Call, Visit, Pay a Bill or Get Water Service Help in Caldwell County
The official Caldwell County Water Department main office is at 1385 Fairview Drive, Lenoir, NC 28645. For billing, new service, tap applications, meter questions or general water assistance, call (828) 757-5757.
Regular office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.. An on-call Water Department technician is also available after regular hours for qualifying water-system emergencies.
Start here
Caldwell County Water Department Quick Facts
Where is the Caldwell County Water Department?
The main Water Department office is at 1385 Fairview Drive, Lenoir, North Carolina 28645. This is also where the County says tap applications are accepted.
This page covers the Caldwell County Water Department in Lenoir, North Carolina. The Princeton, Kentucky utility is a separate agency with different contact information.
Official customer contacts
Caldwell County Water Department Phone Numbers
Caldwell County Water Department
1385 Fairview Drive
Lenoir, NC 28645
Office: (828) 757-5757
Fax: (828) 757-5759
Email: water@caldwellcountync.org
Call this number for
- Water billing questions
- Starting or transferring service
- Renter deposit questions
- Payment arrangements
- Meter questions
- High water bills
- Tap applications
- Water-line extension questions
- Current drought restrictions
Before you visit
Caldwell County Water Department Hours
County offices can close for government holidays. If you are traveling specifically to submit a tap application, make a payment or resolve a time-sensitive account issue, call (828) 757-5757 first.
Use the correct location
Water Office, Payment Locations & Mailing Address
Caldwell County lists different locations depending on whether you need Water Department service, an in-person payment, a tap application or mailing.
1385 Fairview Drive
Lenoir, NC 28645
- Water Department questions
- Account assistance
- Tap applications
- Water-line extension questions
905 West Ave NW
Lenoir, NC 28645
Water payments accepted4 Falls Avenue
Granite Falls, NC 28630
Water payments accepted4 Falls Avenue
Granite Falls, NC 28630
Current Water Department mailing addressThe County specifically says tap applications are accepted at 1385 Fairview Drive in Lenoir. Do not assume either payment location handles new-tap paperwork.
Department responsibilities
What the Caldwell County Water Department Handles
Monthly meter reading
Department staff individually read County water meters and bill customers monthly.
Distribution system
The Department maintains County-owned water lines throughout the service area.
Fire protection infrastructure
County water staff maintain hydrants connected to the distribution system.
Water storage
Water-system tanks are among the infrastructure maintained by the Department.
Sampling & reporting
Staff perform recurring water sampling and regulatory reporting.
Water-line expansion
The County maintains water extension policies for properties where public water is not currently available.
Billing & payments
How to Pay a Caldwell County Water Bill
Caldwell County Water Online Bill Pay
The County Water page links customers to the CCWD AuthorityPay system for online payments.
AuthorityPay
Use the County-linked payment portal for eligible debit or credit card payments.
Pay Online1-844-966-6431
The Water Department publishes this number for paying a water bill by phone.
Call Payment Line905 West Ave NW
Lenoir, NC 28645
In-person water payments accepted4 Falls Avenue
Granite Falls, NC 28630
In-person water payments acceptedSave a confirmation number or receipt until your payment is reflected on the utility account, especially when paying near a delinquency or disconnection deadline.
Moving into a connected property
How to Start Caldwell County Water Service
The County’s customer FAQ distinguishes an existing connected home from a property requiring a completely new tap.
-
1
Confirm County water is already available
Call (828) 757-5757 with the exact service address.
-
2
Complete the Application for Utility Services
The current form asks for applicant identity and contact information, service address, account type and ownership or tenancy status.
Open Utility Service Application -
3
Provide occupancy documentation
The current application tells a tenant to provide a rental agreement and an owner to provide a deed or closing statement.
-
4
Pay applicable setup charges
The County FAQ currently identifies a $50 non-refundable account transfer fee. Renters also pay a $100 refundable renter deposit.
-
5
Ask when service will be turned on
The Water Department FAQ says that when required fees are paid before 3:00 p.m., staff will attempt to turn on water the same day.
The current utility-service application states that the County can refuse new service when the applicant—or a household member—has an outstanding account for previously furnished County service.
FY 2026–27
Caldwell County Water Rates Effective July 1, 2026
Caldwell County adopted new water rates as part of the 2026–27 fiscal-year fee schedule. The County said the increase reflects higher wholesale-water costs, including rates passed through from the City of Lenoir.
| Customer / Usage | Current Rate |
|---|---|
| Residential 0–99 gallons | $18.05 availability fee |
| Residential 100–3,000 gallons | $31.15 total |
| Residential usage above 3,000 gallons | $6.80 per 1,000 gallons |
| Business 0–99 gallons | $18.05 availability fee |
| Business 100–3,000 gallons | $33.25 total |
| Business usage above 3,000 gallons | $7.05 per 1,000 gallons |
Use the County’s current schedule when estimating a new bill or water tap.
New construction or unconnected property
Caldwell County New Water Tap Application & 2026 Fees
A tap application is for a property requiring a new connection into the Caldwell County distribution system.
| Tap Size | Current Fee |
|---|---|
| ¾ inch with meter | $1,500 |
| 1 inch with meter | $1,800 |
| 2 inch with meter | $4,500 |
| 4 inch with meter | $10,000 |
| 4 inch tap only | $5,000 |
| 6 inch with meter | $12,000 |
| 6 inch tap only | $6,000 |
| 8 inch with meter | $18,000 |
| 8 inch tap only | $7,000 |
| 12 inch tap only | $8,000 |
New tap application steps
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1
Confirm a County main can serve the property
Call the Water Department before budgeting the tap or beginning private plumbing work.
-
2
Complete the Tap Application
The April 2026 form asks for applicant information, tap location, account type and requested tap size.
Open Tap Application -
3
Submit it at 1385 Fairview Drive
The County specifically lists the main Water Department office as the tap-application location.
-
4
Confirm plumbing and private-line responsibilities
The current application states that piping and fixtures beyond the County-owned connection are the applicant’s responsibility.
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5
Install the required pressure-reducing valve
The current tap application requires the applicant to install and maintain a pressure-reducing valve at the point of connection with the County system.
The FY 2026–27 fee schedule notes that certain commercial or industrial connections may require customer-provided RPZ/backflow-prevention equipment.
Avoid service interruption
Caldwell County Water Bill Due Date & Nonpayment
The County Water Department FAQ says water bills are due 25 days from the billing date. Customers should use the specific due date printed on their bill.
The current FAQ states that an unpaid balance reaching 45 days can result in removal of the meter. If you cannot pay the balance in full, contact the Water Department before disconnection.
The County’s live FAQ and fee-schedule publications have not always displayed the same late-fee amount. Call (828) 757-5757 or check the charge shown on your current bill before relying on an older fee figure.
Can’t pay the full balance?
Caldwell County Water Payment Plan Requirements
The Water Department publishes a current Request for Payment Plan form updated in April 2026.
Customer must have at least six months of billing and consistent payment history with the County.
The first scheduled payment should be at least 25% of the total account balance.
The payment-plan schedule cannot extend beyond six months.
A payment-plan request must be made before service is disconnected.
Other eligibility rules
- No outstanding previous-location balance. The form says a plan will not be approved if the applicant owes a balance at an earlier service location.
- Request is reviewed. Submitting the form does not guarantee approval.
- Stay on schedule. Failure to comply with an approved plan can result in immediate termination under the agreement.
- Future arrangements can be affected. Defaulting can affect eligibility for future payment arrangements.
Leak or abnormal usage
Requesting a Caldwell County Water Bill Adjustment
The County publishes a Utility Adjustment Request Form for qualifying abnormal usage caused by circumstances outside the customer’s control.
Current form defines excessive use as at least 1.5 times the prior 11-month average consumption.
Attach documentation supporting the excessive-use situation.
The same customer cannot receive this adjustment more than once during a five-year period.
Before asking for an adjustment
Silent toilet leaks can consume large volumes of water.
Look for wet soil, unusually green areas or irrigation-system leaks.
Save plumber invoices, repair receipts or other evidence supporting your request.
Review the abnormal period against your normal usage.
After-hours water problems
Caldwell County Water Emergency Contact
The County Water Department lists this number for after-hours water-system assistance.
Call On-Call TechnicianCall the Water Department for
- County water-main leak
- Sudden loss of County water service
- Major meter/service issue
- Water-system problem after office hours
Call 911 for
- Immediate threat to life
- Fire emergency
- Serious roadway hazard requiring emergency response
- Medical or police emergency
How the County system works
Where Caldwell County Gets Its Water
Caldwell County operates a large distribution network but is a purchased-water system. The County does not operate its own drinking-water treatment facility.
Wholesale water suppliers
Because Caldwell County purchases treated water from other public utilities, changes in wholesale water costs can affect County customer rates. The County specifically cited higher purchased-water costs when adopting the 2026–27 rate increase.
Drinking-water reporting
Caldwell County Water Quality Reports
Because Caldwell County’s distribution network is treated as multiple public-water systems for regulatory purposes, the County publishes separate annual Consumer Confidence Reports for its service areas.
North System
Use the County Water page for the current annual Consumer Confidence Report.
Addison System
A separate annual report is provided for the Addison service system.
West System
Review the West system report for applicable monitoring results.
SE System
The County also posts an annual report for the southeastern system.
The County’s Water page lists current Consumer Confidence Reports together with service forms and policies.
Current customer alert
2026 Caldwell County Mandatory Water Restrictions
Customers must reduce water use by 10%
Caldwell County posted mandatory Stage 2 drought restrictions beginning May 1, 2026, and the notice remains highlighted on the official Water Department page.
Public water customers are expected to reduce use by 10% compared with the previous month’s bill.
Outdoor irrigation is limited to one-half inch per week.
Irrigation is limited to the period between 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.
Outdoor use of drinking water for washing impervious surfaces is prohibited under Stage 2.
The County’s May 2026 notice states that the first violation receives a warning, a second violation can result in a $250 fine, and a third violation can result in water-service discontinuation.
No public water at your property?
Caldwell County Water-Line Extension Programs
If a County water main does not currently reach your property, the Water Department’s FAQ says Caldwell County maintains two approved water-line extension programs.
Petitioner’s Plan
Designed for qualifying requests to extend public water service under County policy.
Developer’s Plan
Provides a separate framework for qualifying development-related water extensions.
Call (828) 757-5757 with the parcel or service address and ask whether an existing County main can serve the property or whether an extension policy must be evaluated.
Directions
Caldwell County Water Department Map
1385 Fairview Drive
Caldwell County Water Department
1385 Fairview Drive
Lenoir, NC 28645
Phone: (828) 757-5757
Hours:
Monday–Friday
8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Understand your water account
Caldwell County Water Terms
- Availability Fee
- The base water charge assessed for an available County water connection even when very little water is used.
- Account Transfer Fee
- The County’s current FAQ describes a $50 non-refundable charge when establishing an existing County water service in a new customer’s name.
- Renter Deposit
- The current Water Department FAQ lists a $100 refundable deposit for a renter establishing service.
- Tap
- The physical service connection installed to connect a property to an available County water main.
- RPZ
- A reduced-pressure-zone backflow-prevention assembly that may be required for certain commercial or industrial water connections.
- Purchased-Water System
- A distribution utility that buys treated drinking water from another provider instead of operating its own treatment plant.
Official action links
Caldwell County Water Department Resources
Most searched questions
Caldwell County Water Department FAQs
1. What is the Caldwell County Water Department phone number?
The main Caldwell County Water Department phone number is (828) 757-5757. Call this number for billing, account, meter, new service and tap-application assistance.
2. What is the Caldwell County Water Department address?
The main Water Department office is at 1385 Fairview Drive, Lenoir, NC 28645. The County also directs customers to this office for tap applications.
3. What are the Caldwell County Water Department hours?
The official Water Department hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.. County offices may close for holidays.
4. What is the Caldwell County Water Department after-hours number?
The County lists (828) 729-7888 for the Water Department’s after-hours on-call technician.
5. How do I pay my Caldwell County water bill?
You can use the County-linked AuthorityPay portal, call 1-844-966-6431, or make an in-person water payment at 905 West Ave NW in Lenoir or 4 Falls Avenue in Granite Falls.
6. How do I start Caldwell County water service when moving into a home?
Complete the County’s Application for Utility Services and contact the Water Department. The current FAQ lists a $50 non-refundable account transfer fee. Renters also pay a $100 refundable renter deposit. The current application tells tenants to provide a rental agreement and owners to provide a deed or closing statement.
7. How quickly can Caldwell County turn on my water?
The Water Department FAQ says that when required setup fees are paid before 3:00 p.m., staff will attempt to have water turned on the same day.
8. What are Caldwell County’s current residential water rates?
For FY 2026–27, the residential availability fee for 0–99 gallons is $18.05. Usage of 100–3,000 gallons totals $31.15, and residential usage above 3,000 gallons is charged at $6.80 per additional 1,000 gallons.
9. How much is a new Caldwell County water tap?
The FY 2026–27 schedule lists a ¾-inch tap with meter at $1,500 and a 1-inch tap with meter at $1,800. Larger connection fees range higher depending on tap size and whether a meter is included.
10. What if I cannot pay my Caldwell County water bill in full?
Contact the Water Department before service is disconnected. The current payment-plan form requires at least six months of County billing/payment history, generally requires the first payment to be at least 25% of the balance, and limits the arrangement to no more than six months. Approval is not automatic.
Verification
Official Sources & Editorial Notes
- Caldwell County Water Department
- Water Department Office Locations
- Water Department Staff Directory
- Water Department About Us
- Water Department FAQs
- FY 2026–27 Rate & Fee Schedule
- Application for Utility Services
- Tap Application
- Request for Payment Plan
- Utility Adjustment Request Form
- Public Water System Ordinance
- 2026 Mandatory Water Restrictions
This guide identifies the North Carolina utility explicitly because search results for “Caldwell County Water Department” can also surface a separate Caldwell County Water District in Kentucky.
Current rates use Caldwell County’s FY 2026–27 schedule. Account setup, payment-plan and adjustment details are based on current County customer guidance and forms. Customers should confirm any time-sensitive fee printed on their actual bill before making a payment or reconnection decision.