We bill in "arrears," meaning your bill will reflect readings from a prior period. Generally, if you move into a home by the 12th of the month, your first bill should come the following month. If you move in after that date, the first bill should come two months later.
Ex: I move in Jan 12th. My first bill will be generated 2/1
Ex: I move in Jan 28th. My first bill will be generated 3/1
How do I start utility service?
Please call our Utility Billing Department at 740-203-1250, extension 4, at least one business day prior to when services need to start. Staff is available M-F, 8 am to 5 pm.
What do I need to start utility service?
The following will be requested:
Name
Address of service
Social Security Number
Additional adults in the home (Name & Social)
Phone number
Email address
Date services are to start
What services are included in my City of Delaware Utility Bill?
A typical residential utility bill includes charges for water, wastewater, and storm water; and curbside refuse, recycling and yard waste collection.
Am I required to pay a security deposit?
A $100 deposit is required for residential rental properties only. The deposit can be waived for tenants who have established a ‘‘good payment record’’ within the City. A “good payment record” means the account has not been declared delinquent during a two-year period.
The deposit is generally applied to your bill after two years if you have a maintained a “good payment record” with the City.
If you don’t have service with the city for two years, the deposit will be applied to your final bill if you have maintained a “good payment record” with the City.
To register and pay online, use our Utility Billing portal. Instructions on registering can be found here
You can pay in person via check/cash or credit card at our Utility Billing Office located on the ground floor of City Hall, 1 S Sandusky St, Delaware. Hours are M-F, 8 am-5 pm.
Pay over the phone at 740-203-1205, option 6
By mail to: City of Delaware, PO Box 182478, Columbus, OH 43218-2478
A night depository is located in the drive-thru alley at City Hall. Check/money order ONLY
When will I receive my first utility bill?
We bill in "arrears," meaning your bill will reflect readings from a prior period. Generally, if you move into a home by the 12th of the month, your first bill should come the following month. If you move in after that date, the first bill should come two months later.
Ex: I move in Jan 12th. My first bill will be generated 2/1
Ex: I move in Jan 28th. My first bill will be generated 3/1
When is my bill due?
Bills are always due on the last day of each month. They are generated and mailed around the 1st of each month.
Can I sign up for auto pay?
Yes, please create an online account, which will allow you to sign up for auto pay. You can do so by clicking here.
What happens if I don’t pay my bill on or before the due date?
If a utility bill is not paid on or before the due date, the bill will be declared delinquent and will be assessed a 5 percent penalty.
The City has the right to discontinue service by the 15th day of the following month from the original due date on a delinquent account until all unpaid, past due service charges are paid in full. A $25 fee will be charged to restore utility services.
Can I pay online without signing up?
Yes, there is a Quick Pay option on the Utility Billing portal. Click here to access the portal, then click Quick Pay. You’ll need your account and customer numbers from your bill. Then follow the prompts and have your credit card ready.
Is there a minimum bill?
Yes. Minimums vary depending on account type. Please phone 730-203-1250, option 4, if you have questions on a minimum bill.
Once I have paid to restore water service, when will it be turned back on.
For payments received prior to 5 pm, we try to restore services that same day. Currently, we do not have afterhours service for restoring water service turned off due to non-payment.
I paid my water bill online through my bank but I don’t see my payment recorded. What’s taking so long?
Two reasons:
Make sure you are using your current account and customer numbers. Your old customer number is no longer valid and should not be used. You should change it on your online banking screen to reflect your new account and customer numbers which are located at the top of your bill. (for example; if your old customer number was 09*8765*04 and your current account and customer numbers are 987654 and 12555, change your old customer number reference to 987654-12555).
If you set up payment online through your banks bill pay services, you should allow up to 7-10 business days for your payment to be sent to us from the date you set it up to pay.
I did not receive my bill in the mail. How can I get a copy?
Please create an online account, where you can view current and prior bills. You can create an online account by clicking (sign up).
Can I enroll in paperless billing?
Not at this time, but paperless billing is something we hope to announce in 2025.
Do you offer any payment plans or financial assistance.
We do not currently allow for payment plans nor do we offer any financial assistance.
Are there any agencies that will assist financially with my disconnected services?
Please call 211 for information and referrals.
Can I speak with someone about my bill?
Yes, you can speak to someone about your bill. Call 740-203-1250, extension 4. Utility billing staff is available M-F, 8 am to 5 pm. You can also email us at utbill@delawareohio.net.
We will need the date services are to stop and a forwarding address for your final bill.
I can’t access my online account. Can you assist?
Unfortunately, we cannot assist with username or password resets on the utility billing portal. You need to click on the "unlock account" link at the bottom of the log in page and follow the prompts.
I am moving or need to stop service. What do I need to do?
Please call our utility billing department at 740-203-1250, extension 4, at least one business day prior to when services need to stop. Staff is available M-F, 8 am to 5 pm.
Why is my water bill high?
There could be several reasons. Bills are based on how much water is used. Outside watering, an extra house guest, and additional days in the billing period could all contribute to higher costs. The most common cause, however, is the toilet.
A continuously running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons a day; that can double a family’s typical water user. First, check for the most common leak: a deteriorated or defected flush valve (flapper) ball at the bottom of the toilet tank. If it does not make a tight seal water will leak into the toilet bowl. To check for a leaky toilet, follow these steps:
Take the lid off of the tank behind the bowl, flush the toilet, and then wait for it to fully refill.
Put a few drops of dye or a colored dye tablet (food coloring works well) in the tank.
Wait at least 20 minutes; longer if you suspect it is a small leak.
If there is any color in the toilet bowl, there is a leak.
The second most common type of leak has to do with an improperly adjusted or broken fill (ballcock) valve.
To check for this, take the lid off of the toilet tank, flush, and see if water is draining into the overflow tubes when the tank is full.
What services are included in my City of Delaware Utility Bill?
A typical residential utility bill includes charges for water, wastewater, and storm water; and curbside refuse, recycling and yard waste collection.
I have a broken water pipe. Will the City fix it?
It depends on the location. The City of Delaware is responsible for all water main pipes and water service pipe connections leading up to and including your water on-off valve (curb stop or meter pit). These are generally located outside near the street. Customers are responsible for anything from our on-off valve into the property. You should have your own water shut-off valve located where the water service enters the home or structure. You can contact 740-203-1900 if you suspect a broken pipe.
I am installing an irrigation system or will be doing a lot of outdoor watering. How can I reduce the amount of sanitary sewer charges?
You can apply for an auxiliary meter or "deduct" meter. These meters track the amount of water used for outside watering. Please contact the Utility Billing office at 740-203-1250 extension 4. The application packet, with all details, can be found here.
I have questions regarding my refuse service or a missed a pickup. Who can help me?
Please call our public works department at 740-203-1810, email pwcs@delawareohio.net. For additional information relating to refuse/recycling, please go here.
I received a leak letter and I fixed my problem. Now what do I do?
Once you have had the leak fixed, email us at utilitybilling@delawareohio.net and let us know what the issue is and when you had it fixed. We will monitor to see if usage goes down. We will adjust your bill accordingly on the sewer charges only.