In the title complex, [Cd(C(7)H(4)ClO(2))(2)(H(2)O)](n), the Cd atom lies on a twofold axis and adopts a square-pyramidal coordination geometry. The water mol-ecule occupies the axial site with O atoms from four different 4-chloro-benzoato ligands in the equatorial plane. Pairs of 4-chloro-benzoato ligands bridge adjacent Cd(II) ions, generating an infinite chain structure along the c axis. Parallel polymeric chains are further inter-connected through water-acetate O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming layers in the bc plane.