Columbus Light & Water Bill Pay, Service & Outage Help
Need to pay a Columbus Light & Water bill, check your balance, report an outage, start or stop electric/water service, request an extension, download the mobile app, or understand deposits and fees? This guide gives the official action path first.
Columbus Light & Water serves Columbus, MS customers with electric, water and sanitary sewer service. Use the task cards below before scrolling through the full guide.
Start Here: Choose Your CLW Task
Use the Utility Nexus portal or the Columbus Light & Water app to view bills, pay and review account activity.
Open portalCall 662-328-7192 option 3, use the app, create an online profile, or call option 2 for a CSR.
Balance FAQWorking hours: call 662-328-7192 option 4. After hours: call 662-243-7440.
Report outageApply online under Manage Services, apply in office, or email disconnection details for turn-off requests.
Manage servicesColumbus Light & Water Quick Answer
Pay or manage your account
Use the official “View / Pay My Bill” portal or Columbus Light & Water mobile app. The app supports bill payment, past payments, usage graphs, notifications and payment management.
Call customer service
Call 662-328-7192 for normal account, billing, balance, service and customer-service issues during office hours.
Report outages or emergencies
During working hours, call 662-328-7192 and choose option 4. After hours, call 662-243-7440 for fully staffed 24/7 dispatch.
Columbus Light & Water Payment Options
Choose your method based on whether you need quick payment, balance history, usage information, AutoPay/bank draft, or a live representative.
| Method | Official detail | Best for | Important user tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online portal | The official CLW website links “View / Pay My Bill” to the Utility Nexus account portal. | Fast payment, viewing bills, account profile, payment history and account access. | Start from the official CLW website if you are unsure of the portal link. |
| Mobile app | The Columbus Light & Water Department app lets users view/pay bills, view past payments, access historical usage graphs and manage notifications. | Customers who want account management on phone. | Download only the CLW/CSA app from the official Apple App Store or Google Play listing. |
| Automated balance / phone route | Call 662-328-7192 option 3 to check balance. Call option 2 to speak with a customer service representative. | Customers who need balance without logging in. | Have account details ready before calling. |
| Bank draft | CLW has a Bank Draft page where customers can download the PDF form, fill it out and upload it. | Customers who want recurring bank payment. | Confirm draft enrollment before assuming the next bill will draft automatically. |
| In-office payment | CLW office is at 420 4th Avenue South, Columbus, MS, with office hours listed as 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. | New service, extension agreement, documentation, deposit questions and complex account issues. | Payment extensions require an office visit, payment of at least half the past-due amount and a signed agreement. |
| Mail / address use | Mailing address is P.O. Box 949, Columbus, MS 39703-0949. | Non-urgent mailed payment or documents. | Do not use mail when service is at immediate disconnect risk. |
Online Portal and Columbus Light & Water Mobile App
Online account
Create an online profile if you want PDF bill copies, account balance, usage information and payment access without waiting for a mailed bill.
Mobile app
The app allows bill payment, past payment review, historical usage information in graph form, payment management and notifications.
Usage review
Use account history and usage graphs before assuming a high bill is only a rate issue. Usage spikes often point to leaks, weather, HVAC or irrigation.
Outage, Emergency and Live Outage Map
Outage rule: During working hours call 662-328-7192 option 4. After hours call 662-243-7440 and speak with CLW’s 24/7 dispatch. The CLW website also links a live outage map for area outage information.
Power outage
Report outages through the official outage/emergency route. Do not assume CLW knows your individual service is out just because nearby homes are affected.
Water emergency
For water emergencies, use the same CLW outage/emergency reporting route and provide address, cross street and visible issue details.
Live map
Use the outage map to see reported outage areas, then still report your address if your service is affected and not shown.
Start, Stop or Transfer Columbus Light & Water Service
Apply for new service
- Use the CLW website and go to Manage Services.
- You may also apply in the office.
- New service may require an application and deposit.
- Residential, commercial and landlord/realtor paths are listed separately.
- Call customer service if the property has old unpaid balances or service questions.
Disconnect / turn off service
- Visit the office to fill out a disconnection form.
- Or email customerservice@columbuslw.com.
- Include name, service address, requested disconnection date, last four digits of SSN and forwarding address.
- If you move and forget to disconnect, service can remain active until disconnected for nonpayment.
- After nonpayment disconnection, CLW FAQ mentions a 10-day window before all services are terminated.
Deposits and Key Fees Customers Ask About
Use this as a practical reference only. Deposits and fees can change, and taxes or special-estimate charges may apply. Confirm with CLW before making service decisions.
| Item | Listed amount / detail | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Homeowner bundled services deposit | Electric $200; water $0. | Applies to bundled electric/water service deposit schedule. |
| Renter bundled services deposit | Electric $200; water $100. | Renters may need both electric and water deposit amounts. |
| Electric-only deposit | Homeowner $200; renter $200. | Useful when property has electric service only through CLW. |
| Water-only deposit | Homeowner $100; renter $100. | Water deposits for customers outside city are listed as one and one-half times. |
| Commercial deposits | Two times the highest estimated or historical bill over 12 months, or minimum $250. | Commercial applicants should call before applying because deposit depends on account history or estimate. |
| Return check | $36. | Returned payment can add cost and account risk. |
| Non-payment cut back on | Electric: $20 without truck roll, $50 with truck roll. Water: $20 normal hours, $50 after hours/weekends/holidays. | Restoration cost depends on service and timing. |
| Meter re-read | $10. | Helpful for bill-check requests, but not free under the fee schedule. |
| Tampering | First offense $500; second offense $1,000; each offense thereafter doubles. | Never reconnect, break seals or tamper with meters yourself. |
Payment Extension or Past-Due Help
CLW FAQ detail: To request a payment extension, you need to visit the office, pay at least half of the past-due amount and sign the agreement.
Do not wait until service is disconnected
Call or visit CLW before the issue escalates. Extensions require action at the office, not just an online note.
Bring enough to pay at least half past due
The FAQ says you must pay at least half of the past-due amount and sign an agreement.
Confirm exact account status
Ask whether the arrangement protects electric, water and sewer service and whether any reconnection, return-check or cut-back-on fees apply.
Bill Dispute, Meter Re-Read and Balance Questions
Bill breakdown
CLW FAQ says the bill statement has a breakdown of charges. If you did not receive the statement, create an online profile to view PDFs of your bill.
Meter re-read
The fee schedule lists a $10 re-read of meter fee. Ask customer service whether a re-read is appropriate before requesting one.
Balance check
Use 662-328-7192 option 3, the mobile app, an online profile, or option 2 to speak with a CSR.
Columbus Light & Water Water Quality Details
Water source
The Consumer Confidence Report says underground water is pumped from eight wells drawing from the lower Tuscaloosa Aquifer.
Testing result
The 2024 report says the system had no violations and that drinking water met or exceeded federal and state requirements.
Lead service lines
The report says CLW completed the Lead Service Line Inventory and no lead lines were found in the system inventory.
High Bill: Electric, Water and Sewer Checks Before You Call
Because CLW handles more than water, a “high water bill” search may actually involve electric use, water use, sewer charges, reconnect fees, deposits, history fees or payment timing.
| What changed? | Possible cause | Best next step |
|---|---|---|
| Electric charge jumped | HVAC weather load, electric water heater issue, appliance change, rate adjustment, or prior balance. | Use app/portal usage history, check thermostat/HVAC, and review bill PDF line items. |
| Water usage jumped | Toilet leak, service-line leak, outdoor use, dripping faucet, irrigation, or running hose. | Check meter movement when no water is used, toilets, outside spigots and wet areas. |
| Charge you do not recognize | Re-read, return check, reconnection, meter test, tampering, itemized history, or deposit-related item. | Compare the bill with the Schedule of Fees and call 662-328-7192 option 2 if still unclear. |
| Still no power after reconnect | Breaker panel may be off after service restoration. | CLW FAQ says to check your breaker panels if service was reconnected but lights are still off. |
Medical Certification and Critical Account Notes
Medical certification page
CLW lists a Medical Certification page under Manage Services. Use it if medical equipment or medical hardship affects utility-service timing.
Call first
For urgent or sensitive medical-account situations, call customer service and ask exactly what documentation is required.
Do not rely on forms alone
Submitting a form is not the same as confirmed protection. Keep proof and verify account status directly with CLW.
Local Columbus, MS Tips That Save Time
Use the right emergency number after hours
Customer service is not the same as 24/7 dispatch. Save 662-243-7440 for after-hours outages and emergencies.
Check your breaker after reconnection
If service is restored but lights still do not work, CLW FAQ specifically tells customers to check breaker panels.
Do not delay move-out disconnection
Service can stay active after you move unless you request disconnect. Send the required details and forwarding address.
Use office route for extensions
Payment extensions are not just a phone promise. You need to visit, pay at least half of the past due amount and sign the agreement.
Do not tamper with a meter
The fee schedule lists very high tampering penalties. Call CLW instead of breaking seals, reconnecting, or touching meters.
Use the app for usage evidence
Historical usage graphs can make a bill question much clearer before you call customer service.
Columbus Light & Water Office Map
Use the map for visit planning. Verify current hours before going, especially around holidays or storm response periods.
Office address
420 4th Avenue South, Columbus, MS.
Mailing address
P.O. Box 949, Columbus, MS 39703-0949.
Office hours
8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Official Columbus Light & Water Links Used in This Guide
Columbus Light & Water FAQs
How do I pay my Columbus Light & Water bill online?
Use the official “View / Pay My Bill” portal linked from the Columbus Light & Water website. You can also use the Columbus Light & Water Department mobile app for bill payment and account management.
What is the Columbus Light & Water customer service phone number?
Call 662-328-7192 for customer service, billing, balance, service and normal account questions.
How do I check my CLW account balance?
Call 662-328-7192 option 3, use the Columbus Light & Water app, create an online profile, or call option 2 to speak with a customer service representative.
How do I report a Columbus Light & Water outage?
During working hours, call 662-328-7192 and choose option 4. After hours, call 662-243-7440 to reach the 24/7 dispatch route.
Where is the Columbus Light & Water office?
The office is at 420 4th Avenue South, Columbus, MS. The mailing address is P.O. Box 949, Columbus, MS 39703-0949.
What are Columbus Light & Water office hours?
Columbus Light & Water lists office hours as 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
How do I start new CLW service?
Use the Manage Services section of the Columbus Light & Water website or apply in office. Service may require an application and deposit depending on customer type and service type.
How do I disconnect CLW service when moving?
Visit the office to fill out a disconnection form or email customerservice@columbuslw.com with your name, service address, disconnection date, last four digits of SSN and forwarding address.
How do I request a payment extension?
CLW FAQ says you must visit the office, pay at least half of the past-due amount and sign the agreement to request a payment extension.
What is the renter deposit for bundled electric and water service?
The CLW deposit schedule shows bundled-service renter deposit as $200 for electric and $100 for water. Confirm current deposit requirements with CLW before applying.
Does this page collect Columbus Light & Water payments?
No. This is an independent informational guide. Use the official Columbus Light & Water website, Utility Nexus portal, mobile app and CLW contact numbers for live payment, account status, outages and service requests.
Pay Your Water Bill Safely, Fix High Bills, Avoid Shutoff, Start Service and Find Official Utility Links
Use this free USA water bill assistant before paying online, calling utility billing, setting up AutoPay, checking a high bill, requesting leak help, starting or stopping service, handling a past due account, or searching for the official city utility portal.
What water bill problem do you need to solve?
Choose your situation. The tool will suggest the safest route, what to prepare, and which official page or office to check first.
Open the official city, county, water authority or utility website first. Do not enter account details into a random sponsored payment page.
If the bill is unusually high, compare usage, billing days, meter read type, toilet leaks, irrigation, late fees and leak adjustment rules before paying blindly.
Safe Water Bill Payment Route
Choose how you want to pay. This helps users avoid wrong portals, posting delays and urgent shutoff mistakes.
AutoPay / Bank Draft Setup Helper
Use this before enrolling in recurring payments so the first draft, current balance and payment date do not surprise you.
High Water Bill Review
Compare your normal bill and usage with the current bill. This gives a practical path before requesting a high bill review.
Leak Adjustment Proof Checklist
Use this before asking for a leak adjustment, high bill review, sewer adjustment or payment plan.
Past Due, Shutoff Notice and Reconnect Helper
Use this if your bill is late, you received a shutoff notice, service is off, or you need a payment plan.
Start, Stop or Transfer Water Service
Use this before moving, closing an account, starting service, transferring service or requesting a final bill.
Water Bill Cost Estimate
Estimate a simple monthly bill from base charge, water usage, sewer, stormwater, trash, service fees and late charges. Official tiered rates may be different.
Bill Dispute and Meter Reading Checklist
Use this before calling billing support about a meter reading, duplicate payment, wrong address, missing payment, estimated bill, or incorrect charge.
Official Water Bill Portal and Phone Finder
Enter city/utility and state to create safe searches for official water bill pay, phone payment, guest pay, AutoPay, start service, leak adjustment, reconnect, assistance and this site’s guide.
Official portal safety
- Use official city, county, authority or utility websites first.
- Check service address before paying.
- Save confirmation number and screenshot.
- Call the utility for shutoff or reconnect situations.
Best sitewide placement
Place this tool after the first payment section or before FAQs. It turns every water bill article into a practical help page, not only a list of links.
Important note
This tool gives educational guidance only. Always confirm payment portals, fees, shutoff rules, assistance programs, account balance and reconnection steps with the official utility.