Columbus Light Water Department: New Service Connection 2026

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Columbus MS electric, water, sewer, bill pay, app, outage map and 24/7 dispatch help

Columbus Light & Water Department 2026: Pay Bill, Phone, Outage & Service Help

Columbus Light & Water customers usually need a fast, practical answer: how to pay a bill, check a balance, report an electric or water emergency, request new service, stop service before moving, ask for a payment extension, or find the official outage map. This guide turns the official CL&W details into quick action cards, phone scripts, fee tables and verified links so Columbus, Mississippi customers can handle electric, water and sewer tasks without opening the wrong payment page.

☎️ Customer Service: 662-328-7192 🚨 Outages/Emergencies: 662-243-7440 📍 420 4th Avenue South 🕗 Hours: 8:00am-4:30pm 💧 8 wells / Lower Tuscaloosa Aquifer
Quick answer board

Choose Your Columbus Light & Water Task

💳 Pay or view bill Use the official View / Pay My Bill link, mobile app, online profile or automated balance phone option.
🚨 Outage or emergency During working hours call 662-328-7192 option 4. After hours call 662-243-7440 for 24/7 dispatch.
🏠 Turn service on/off New service is typically processed through the website. Disconnection can be requested in office or by email with required details.
⏳ Payment extension FAQ says visit the office, pay at least half of past due amount and sign the extension agreement.
Official route: Start from the official Columbus Light & Water website. For billing details, use View / Pay My Bill. For outages, use Report Outages/Emergencies and the official Outage Map.
Official contacts Pay bill / check balance Outages and emergencies Start or stop service Payment extensions Deposits and fees Water / sewer rates Water quality High bill checklist Forms and service requests Call scripts Map and directions Official links FAQs
Payment safety: CL&W customers should start from columbus-lw.com or columbuslw.com. Do not enter account, bank or card details on a payment page that does not clearly connect back to Columbus Light & Water in Columbus, Mississippi.
Official contacts

Columbus Light & Water Contacts That Matter

Need Official detail Best action
Customer Service 662-328-7192 Billing, balance, new service, disconnection, extensions, forms and normal customer support.
Outages / emergencies 662-243-7440 After-hours outage, emergency dispatch, electric or utility emergency support.
Working-hours outage routing 662-328-7192, option 4 Use during office hours for outage/emergency reporting.
Balance by automated system 662-328-7192, option 3 Check balance by phone without waiting for a representative.
Speak with CSR 662-328-7192, option 2 Use for account-specific questions, bill charges or service forms.
Office address 420 4th Avenue South, Columbus, MS 39703-0949 Office visit, payment extension, service forms and account help.
Mailing address P.O. Box 949, Columbus, MS 39703-0949 Use when mailing documents or payments if CL&W confirms that method for your task.
Office hours 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Visit or call for normal customer-service tasks during listed hours.
Fast routing tip: Billing or service forms → customer service. Outage or emergency → outage/emergency number. Bill dispute or payment extension → use the office/form route, not the outage line.
Bill pay

How to Pay or Check a Columbus Light & Water Bill

1

Start with the official bill-pay link

Open the official Columbus Light & Water website and select View / Pay My Bill, or use the official payment portal at columbuslw.utilitynexus.com.

2

Use the mobile app if you prefer phone management

CL&W says its free app lets customers view and pay bills, view past payments, access historical usage information in graph form, manage payments and notifications, and access outage information.

3

Check balance by phone if needed

The FAQ says customers can check balance by calling 662-328-7192 and choosing option 3, using the app, creating an online profile, or speaking with a customer service representative at option 2.

4

Save confirmation until the account updates

Keep payment amount, date, payment method, confirmation number, account number and any screenshot or emailed receipt.

Bill statement tip: The FAQ says the bill statement has a breakdown of charges. If the statement did not arrive by mail, create an online profile to view PDF copies of the bill.
Outages and emergencies

Report a Columbus Light & Water Outage or Emergency

During working hours

Call 662-328-7192 and choose option 4 for outage/emergency reporting.

After hours

Call 662-243-7440 and speak to CL&W’s fully manned 24/7 dispatch.

Problem Best route What to prepare
Power outage Outage/emergency number or official outage map. Address, account number, whether neighbors are affected, visible hazard.
Downed wire / electrical danger Call emergency dispatch; call 911 if immediate danger exists. Exact location, road hazard, fire/sparking, people nearby.
Water main break / major water leak Customer service during office hours or emergency dispatch after hours. Address, cross street, water in road, low pressure, safety risk.
Sewer backup / wastewater emergency CL&W emergency/customer service route; 911 only for immediate danger. Service address, backup location, hazard, photos if safe.
Need outage status Use official outage map. Check map before calling if you only need status.
Official outage map: Use CL&W Outage Map to check current outage information before submitting duplicate reports.
Safety warning: Do not touch downed lines, open electrical equipment, walk through flooded areas near power, operate utility valves, or approach a damaged meter. Call emergency dispatch or 911 depending on danger level.
Start / stop service

Turn Columbus Light & Water Service On or Off

CL&W’s FAQ says new turn-ons are typically processed through the website. For disconnection, customers can visit the office or email customer service with specific details.

Task Official guidance User action
Start new service Apply through the website under Manage Services or in the office. Open Residential/Commercial service page or visit 420 4th Avenue South.
Disconnect service Visit the office to fill out a disconnection form or email customerservice@columbuslw.com. Include name, service address, disconnection date, last four digits of SSN and forwarding address.
Move-out risk If customer vacates and does not request disconnection, service stays active until disconnected for nonpayment. Request disconnection before move-out and keep confirmation.
Nonpayment termination FAQ says after nonpayment disconnection there is a 10-day window before all services are terminated, deposit applied and final bill generated. Call before the account reaches final collection stage.
Disconnection email details: Use customerservice@columbuslw.com and include name, service address, disconnection date, last four digits of SSN, and forwarding address.
Payment extension

How to Request a Columbus Light & Water Payment Extension

The FAQ gives a clear payment-extension rule: customers need to visit the office, pay at least half of the past due amount and sign the agreement.

1

Check exact past-due amount

Call 662-328-7192 option 3 for automated balance or option 2 to speak with a customer service representative.

2

Prepare at least half of past due balance

The FAQ says payment-extension customers must pay at least half of the past due amount.

3

Visit the office to sign agreement

Go to 420 4th Avenue South during office hours and sign the agreement. Ask for a copy or confirmation of the new due date.

Do not wait until after-hours: Payment-extension handling is an office task. Outage/emergency dispatch is not the right route for extension agreements.
Deposits and fees

Columbus Light & Water Deposits and Common Fees

🏠 Renter bundled $200 electric + $100 water Deposit schedule
💧 Water only $100 Homeowner or renter
⚡ Electric only $200 Homeowner or renter
🚚 Water cut back on $20 / $50 Normal / after hours
🧾 Returned check $36 Fee schedule
Fee or deposit Listed amount Why customers care
Water-only deposit $100 homeowner / $100 renter Needed when establishing water-only service under the deposit schedule.
Bundled renter deposit $200 electric + $100 water Useful for renter move-in planning when both electric and water are included.
Commercial deposit Two times highest estimated or historical bill over 12 months, minimum $250 Businesses should call before applying because deposit depends on usage history/estimate.
Non-payment cut back on water $20 normal hours; $50 after hours/weekends/holidays/5 p.m.-8 a.m. Important if service was cut for nonpayment and restoration timing matters.
Removal of water meter for non-payment $100 Nonpayment can create additional cost beyond the overdue bill.
Re-read of meter $10 Useful when questioning a bill or meter reading.
Tampering $500 first offense; $1,000 second offense; doubles thereafter Do not tamper with meters, electric or water equipment.
Outside-city deposit note: The deposit schedule says water deposits are one and one-half times for customers outside the city.
Water and sewer rates

Water and Sewer Rate Details Customers Search For

The CL&W water/sewer rate adjustment PDF explains the 2023 water and sewer rate change, infrastructure reasons, water line replacement needs, sewer lining upgrades and the standard billing unit change from $3.43 per CCF to $4.00 per CCF.

Rate topic Official detail Practical meaning
Standard billing unit One Hundred Cubic Feet, CCF Usage is measured in billing units; compare usage before assuming the rate alone caused a high bill.
Rate adjustment Current rate shown as $3.43 per CCF; new rate shown as $4.00 per CCF. Rate change can raise normal bills, but leaks or usage spikes can raise them much more.
Average customer effect PDF says average customer would see a $4 monthly increase based on adjusted rate. A much bigger bill jump should trigger a leak/usage/payment-history review.
Outside city rate Water and sewer rates for service outside city limits are 150% of base rate. Outside-city customers should not compare their bill directly to inside-city base rates.
Sewer base charge Base sewer service charge is 100% of the user’s water bill. Water usage can affect sewer charges too, depending on billing structure.
High-bill tip: If your bill increased much more than the rate adjustment explains, check for leak, meter reading, previous balance, late fees, seasonal usage, sewer charges and estimated/actual usage changes.
Water quality

Columbus Light & Water Drinking Water Quality Report

The 2024 Consumer Confidence Report says CL&W’s underground water is pumped from eight wells drawing from the lower Tuscaloosa Aquifer. The report says monitoring covered January 1 through December 31, 2024, the system had no violations, and drinking water meets or exceeds federal and state requirements.

💧 Water source 8 wells Underground supply
🌎 Aquifer Lower Tuscaloosa Report source
✅ Violations None listed 2024 report
🚰 Lead inventory No lead lines found Visual inspections
☎️ Water questions 662-328-7192 Customer Service
Lead safety note: The report says CL&W is responsible for providing high-quality drinking water and removing lead pipes, but home plumbing materials can still affect lead risk. It recommends flushing pipes before drinking and using certified filters if needed.
Official report: Open the Consumer Confidence Report for detailed testing tables and water-quality explanations.
High bill

High Columbus Light & Water Bill Checklist Before You Call

Because CL&W can include electric, water and sewer service on the account, a high bill may come from more than one cause. Use this checklist before calling customer service.

Check What to look for Why it matters
Bill breakdown Electric, water, sewer, late, cut-on, meter, history or other line items. The FAQ says the statement includes a breakdown of charges.
Online PDF bill Create online profile and view PDF bills if paper bill did not arrive. You need actual line items before disputing charges.
Water leak Running toilet, wet yard, water heater leak, dripping fixtures, irrigation issue. A water leak can increase both water and sewer-related charges.
Electric usage HVAC use, space heaters, hot weather, appliances, EV charging, unusual load. CL&W is both electric and water; do not assume high bill is water-only.
Past-due amount Balance forward, extension agreement, late amount or reconnection charges. Past balances and fees can make a normal current bill look unusually high.
Meter reread Request if reading appears inconsistent; schedule says reread of meter is $10. A reread may be useful, but know the listed fee before requesting.
High-bill call script: “My CL&W bill is higher than normal. I reviewed the charge breakdown and checked water/electric usage. Can you help me review the billing history, meter reading, and whether a dispute or reread is appropriate?”
Forms and service requests

Forms CL&W Customers Often Need

Form / request Official page When to use it
Residential service Residential / Manage Services Start residential utility service or manage residential account needs.
Commercial service Commercial Business utility service and commercial account setup.
Bank draft Bank Draft Automatic bank payment setup through downloadable/uploadable PDF form route.
Loss water Loss Water Water-loss related form workflow if CL&W asks for documentation.
Medical certification Medical Certification Medical-certification related account support; confirm requirements with customer service.
Bill dispute Bill Dispute Disputed bill/charge documentation and upload workflow.
Update contact info Update Personal Contact Information Keep phone/email/current contact details updated for outages, billing and notifications.
Form upload tip: Several CL&W manage-service pages ask customers to download a PDF form, fill it out and upload it. Save a copy of the completed form and upload confirmation.
Call scripts

What to Say When Calling Columbus Light & Water

Situation Say this Have ready
Pay bill / check balance “I need help checking my Columbus Light & Water balance or payment status.” Account number, service address, payment confirmation, bill date.
Outage “I’m reporting an outage at [address]. I checked the outage map and [it is/is not] listed.” Address, callback number, whether neighbors are affected, hazards.
Emergency “There is a utility emergency at [exact location] involving [downed line/water main/flooding/electrical danger].” Exact location, safety risk, cross street, photos only if safe.
Start service “I need to start CL&W service at [service address] and want to confirm documents, deposit and timing.” ID, lease/deed/ownership info, service date, contact info, deposit question.
Stop service “I need to disconnect service on [date] and provide a forwarding address.” Name, service address, disconnection date, last four SSN digits, forwarding address.
Payment extension “I need a payment extension and want to confirm the half-payment amount and agreement process.” Past due amount, payment method, visit time, ID, account number.
Bill dispute “I want to dispute a charge and need the correct form or supporting documents.” PDF bill, line item, meter reading, usage proof, photos, repair invoice if relevant.
Best call habit: Ask for the staff member’s name, request/confirmation number, next step and deadline before ending the call.
Map

Columbus Light & Water Map and Visit Checklist

CL&W lists its office at 420 4th Avenue South, Columbus, MS 39703-0949. Office hours are listed as 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Columbus Light & Water Office

Use this map for bill payment, payment extension, service forms, account help and office visits.

Open Directions Call Customer Service
Bring this: account number, latest bill, payment confirmation, ID, lease/ownership proof if starting service, disconnection details, forwarding address, payment-extension amount, bill-dispute proof or completed form.
FAQs

Columbus Light & Water Bill Pay, Phone, Outage and Service FAQs

What is the Columbus Light & Water customer service phone number?

Call 662-328-7192 for CL&W Customer Service.

What is the Columbus Light & Water outage or emergency number?

Call 662-243-7440 for outages and emergencies after hours. During working hours, the FAQ says to call 662-328-7192 and choose option 4.

Where is Columbus Light & Water located?

CL&W lists its office at 420 4th Avenue South, P.O. Box 949, Columbus, MS 39703-0949.

What are Columbus Light & Water office hours?

The official site lists office hours as 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

How do I pay my Columbus Light & Water bill online?

Use the official CL&W website and click View / Pay My Bill, or open the official payment portal.

How do I check my CL&W balance?

The FAQ says customers can call the automated system at 662-328-7192 option 3, use the Columbus Light & Water Department app, create an online profile, or call 662-328-7192 option 2 to speak with a representative.

How do I request a payment extension?

The FAQ says customers requesting a payment extension need to visit the office, pay at least half of the past due amount and sign the agreement.

How do I turn CL&W service off when moving?

Visit the office to fill out a disconnection form or email customerservice@columbuslw.com with name, service address, date of disconnection, last four digits of SSN and forwarding address.

Where does CL&W drinking water come from?

The 2024 Consumer Confidence Report says underground water is pumped from eight wells drawing from the lower Tuscaloosa Aquifer.

Did the 2024 CL&W water quality report list violations?

The 2024 report says the system had no violations and that drinking water meets or exceeds federal and state requirements.

What is the CL&W water-only deposit?

The deposit schedule lists $100 for water-only service for homeowner or renter. Outside-city water deposits are listed as one and one-half times.

Is there an official CL&W outage map?

Yes. Use the official CL&W Outage Map for outage status.

Final takeaway

Best Way to Handle a Columbus Light & Water Task

Use this route: Pay/view bill → official CL&W bill-pay portal or app. Balance → 662-328-7192 option 3. CSR → option 2. Outage during working hours → option 4. After-hours emergency → 662-243-7440. Start service → website Manage Services or office. Stop service → office form or customerservice@columbuslw.com with required details. Extension → visit office, pay at least half past due and sign agreement.

For the fastest result, keep your account number, service address, bill PDF, payment confirmation, outage location, forwarding address, last four SSN digits, extension payment amount, or completed form ready before calling or visiting.

Editorial note: This guide summarizes official Columbus Light & Water resources for easier public use. Phone numbers, hours, fees, deposits, payment portal links, outage dispatch rules, service-form requirements, water quality reports, rate schedules and extension procedures can change. Confirm final details directly on official columbus-lw.com, columbuslw.com, the official CL&W payment portal or with CL&W customer service before paying, applying, disconnecting service, requesting an extension or reporting an emergency.

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