The City of Lake Charles Water Division’s meter reading contractors have made significant progress in re-establishing their meter-reading program within the City of Lake Charles.

By the close of 2021 contractors were able to provide sufficient staffing to perform readings on the approximate 35,000 residential and business meters located within the Division’s service area.

The City of Lake Charles Water Division has not assessed late fees or enforced its cut-off policy since March 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic first began affecting the community. This remained in place through Hurricanes Laura and Delta, Winter Storm Uri and the May 17, 2021 flood event.

Effective March 1, 2022, the assessment of late fees and the enforcement of service cut-offs for non-payment will resume.

Customers with questions about their account are encouraged to call the Water Billing Office at 337-491-1307.

For customers needing assistance with paying their past due water bills, help is available.

Since December 2020 the City of Lake Charles has funded the Water Bill Relief Fund through Catholic Charities of Southwest Louisiana. This program is available for City of Lake Charles Water Division customers and offers qualified applicants up to $300 in assistance. For more information on how to apply, call (337) 439-7436.

The City of Lake Charles has also entered into an agreement with the Louisiana Housing Corporation to participate in a water relief fund being administered through the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury Human Services Department. Eligible applicants can receive up to $1500 in assistance for past due water bills. For more information on how to apply, call (337) 721-4033.