Hey there, fellow Cherokee County water customers! If you’re like me, dealing with utility bills isn’t exactly the highlight of your month. But we all gotta do it, right? Today, I’m gonna break down everything you need to know about paying your Cherokee County water bill – whether you’re in Georgia or Kansas, we’ve got you covered!
Which Cherokee County Are You In?
First things first – there are actually two different water authorities we’re talking about here
- Cherokee County Water and Sewerage Authority (CCWSA) – serving 225,000+ residents in Cherokee County, Georgia
- Cherokee County Rural Water District #3 (RWD #3) – serving residents in Cherokee County, Kansas
The payment methods and options differ depending on which county you’re in, so let’s dive into both!
CCWSA: Georgia Residents
If you’re getting your water from the Cherokee County Water and Sewerage Authority in Georgia, you’ve got several convenient ways to pay your bill.
Online Bill Pay
This is probably the easiest way to handle your water bill CCWSA offers online payment through their website at ccwsa,com
To pay online
- Visit the CCWSA website
- Click on “Pay Water Bill Online” in the menu
- You’ll be directed to their payment portal
- Login or create an account if you haven’t already
- Follow the prompts to complete your payment
The online system accepts major credit cards and electronic checks. It’s super convenent since you can pay anytime, day or night!
Pay By Phone
Not a fan of online payments? No worries! CCWSA also offers a phone payment option.
Just call their customer service number at 770-479-1813. They’ve actually just updated their phone system, so you should have an improved experience when calling in.
Automatic Bank Draft Program
This is my personal favorite option! CCWSA offers an Automatic Bank Draft Program that will save you both time and money.
With this program:
- Your payment is automatically withdrawn from your account each month
- You never have to worry about late fees
- No need to remember to make a payment
- No stamps, envelopes, or trips to the post office
To enroll, visit the CCWSA website and look for information about the Automatic Bank Draft Program.
In-Person Payments
If you prefer the old-school approach of paying in person, you can visit the CCWSA office at:
Cherokee County Water and Sewerage Authority
140 West Main Street
Canton, GA 30114
Cherokee County RWD #3: Kansas Residents
If you’re in Cherokee County, Kansas, and serviced by Rural Water District #3, your payment options are a bit different.
Bill Pay Options
According to the Cherokee RWD #3 website, they offer multiple payment methods. To see all your options:
- Visit cherokeerwd3.com
- Click on “Bill Pay” in the main menu
- This will take you to their payment information page
While the specific methods aren’t detailed on their homepage, they do mention that you should visit their Bill Payment Page to learn about current payment methods.
Contact Information
If you have questions about your water bill in Cherokee County, Kansas, you can contact RWD #3 at:
Phone:
(620) 674-8417 or
(620) 387-9552
Address:
1521 SE Beasley Rd
Baxter Springs, KS 66713
Understanding Your Water Bill
No matter which Cherokee County you’re in, understanding your water bill can sometimes be confusing. Here are some tips:
CCWSA (Georgia) Sample Bill
If you’re with CCWSA in Georgia, they actually provide a sample bill on their website to help you understand the charges! This is super helpful for breaking down what all those numbers mean.
To access it:
- Visit ccwsa.com
- Look for the “Need help with bill?” section
- Click on “sample bill” to see a breakdown
Common Bill Components
Typically, your water bill might include:
- Basic service fee
- Water usage charges (usually calculated per gallon)
- Sewer charges (if applicable)
- Any special assessments or fees
- Previous balance
- Payment due date
If your water appears cloudy sometimes, don’t panic! The CCWSA website mentions that fire hydrant maintenance can cause this temporarily. They provide information on how to clear it.
Setting Up New Service or Disconnecting
CCWSA (Georgia)
Starting New Service:
CCWSA requires a deposit to establish water service. If there’s an existing meter, you’ll pay a transfer fee. If there’s no meter, you’ll need to purchase one through customer service.
Ending Service:
If you’re moving, notify CCWSA at least one day before disconnection. You can:
- Use their Contact Us form
- Call customer service at 770-479-1813
- Fax your request to 678-493-2434
Cherokee RWD #3 (Kansas)
For information about starting or stopping service with Cherokee County RWD #3 in Kansas, it’s best to contact their office directly using the contact information provided above.
When Are Water Bills Due?
While the websites don’t specify exact due dates (these likely vary based on your billing cycle), it’s important to pay on time to avoid late fees or potential service interruption.
Board Meetings and Public Information
If you’re interested in learning more about water service in your area or have concerns about billing, both authorities hold regular board meetings:
Cherokee RWD #3 (Kansas):
The Board meets every Wednesday at 7:00 PM at the plant. Upcoming meetings include:
- October 15, 2025
- November 19, 2025
- December 17, 2025
- January 21, 2026
CCWSA (Georgia):
Check their website for board meeting information. They also post important public notices like:
- Lead And Copper Rule – Inventory Search
- 2024 Consumer Confidence Report
- 2024 Salacoa Consumer Confidence Report
Tips for Managing Your Water Bill
- Check for leaks regularly – Even small leaks can significantly increase your bill
- Install water-efficient fixtures – Low-flow showerheads and toilets can reduce consumption
- Consider a rain barrel – Collect rainwater for outdoor watering needs
- Run full loads – Only run dishwashers and washing machines when full
- Water lawns during off-peak hours – Early morning is best to minimize evaporation
What If You Have Trouble Paying?
Life happens to all of us, and sometimes bills can pile up. If you’re having trouble paying your water bill:
For CCWSA (Georgia) customers:
Contact customer service at 770-479-1813 to discuss your options. Many utilities offer:
- Payment plans
- Due date extensions
- Information about assistance programs
For Cherokee RWD #3 (Kansas) customers:
Reach out to their office at (620) 674-8417 to discuss possible arrangements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions we get about Cherokee County water bills:
Q: Can I pay my water bill with a credit card?
A: Yes! Both water authorities accept credit cards through their online payment systems.
Q: What happens if I pay my bill late?
A: Late payments typically incur fees and, if extremely delinquent, could result in service disconnection. Always contact your provider if you’re going to be late.
Q: How often are water meters read?
A: Most water utilities read meters monthly, but you should check with your specific provider for their schedule.
Q: Why is my water bill suddenly higher?
A: Unexpected increases could be due to:
- Seasonal usage changes (watering lawns, filling pools)
- Rate increases
- Leaks in your home plumbing
- Meter reading errors
Q: Can I view my water usage history?
A: Yes, most online account portals show your usage history, which can help you identify unusual consumption patterns.
Stay Informed About Your Water Service
Both water authorities provide resources to help customers stay informed:
CCWSA (Georgia)
The Cherokee County Water and Sewerage Authority in Georgia draws its water from the historic Etowah River and the Hollis Q. Lathem Reservoir. They pride themselves on providing high-quality water and offer educational resources through their Education & Outreach program.
They’ve received several awards, including:
- GAWP Education Program Of Excellence Award
- Top honors for their Etowah Water Treatment Facility
- Top honors for their Wastewater Facilities
Cherokee RWD #3 (Kansas)
Cherokee County Rural Water District #3 maintains a website where they post news and updates. Their most recent announcement was the launch of their new website on February 13, 2024.
Call Before You Dig!
One important reminder from Cherokee RWD #3: Always call 811 before you dig! This helps prevent damage to underground utilities, including water lines, which could disrupt service and lead to costly repairs.
Wrapping It Up
Paying your Cherokee County water bill doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re in Georgia or Kansas, there are multiple convenient options available to help you stay current on your payments.
If you have more questions about your specific water bill, the best resource is always your local water authority’s customer service department. They can provide personalized assistance based on your account.
Do you have a preferred method for paying your water bill? Or perhaps a tip for reducing water consumption? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!
Payment By Mail
If paying by check or money order through the mail, please send all payments with your payment coupon. To avoid late fees, please mail your payment at least five-seven business days before the due date specified on your bill.
You may drop off your check or money order at the water department. We accept check or money orders.
