How to Pay Your Water Bill in Dayton, Ohio

Paying your water bill is an important responsibility when you live in Dayton. The city provides clean, safe drinking water to all residents, and in return you must pay your water bill on time each month. This article will explain the different ways you can pay your Dayton water bill, as well as provide tips for understanding your bill and setting up billing alerts.

Online Payment

The easiest way to pay your water bill in Dayton is online Simply visit the city’s website at wwwdaytonohio.gov and click on the “Pay Water Bill” link. This will direct you to the online payment portal where you can view your current bill and pay using a credit card, debit card or electronic check. You’ll need to have your account number handy to log in.

Online payment is fast, easy and secure. You’ll receive a confirmation email after the transaction is completed, so you have peace of mind knowing your payment went through. The city recently upgraded its online payment system, so the portal has a fresh, user-friendly design. Paying online helps you avoid late fees, since the payment posts to your account immediately. It’s by far the most convenient way to pay your Dayton water bill.

By Phone

If you prefer to pay your water bill over the phone, Dayton offers an automated payment system you can utilize anytime by calling (937) 333-3550. This IVR (interactive voice response) system allows you to pay using electronic check or credit/debit card by following the prompts As with online payments, you’ll need your account number handy to access your account.

The main advantage of paying by phone is that you can do it 24/7. So if you work odd hours or tend to remember bills at night, the IVR system has you covered. You’ll receive a confirmation number at the end of the call, which serves as your receipt. Payments made before 8pm post to your account the same day, while payments after 8pm post the following business day.

By Mail

Paying your water bill through the mail is an old-fashioned method that still works. Simply write a check or money order payable to the City of Dayton, include your remittance stub, and mail it via USPS to the address printed on your bill. This can be a good option if you prefer writing checks or don’t feel comfortable paying bills online.

However, there are some downsides to paying by mail. First, it takes longer to process and you’ll need to mail your payment several days before the due date to ensure on-time delivery. Also, there’s no payment confirmation, so you just have to trust the mail system. Finally, it’s easier to forget and accidentally miss payments when mailing bills. But if you like routine bill paying, sending checks for your Dayton water bill works fine.

In Person

You can also pay your water bill in person at the City Hall Treasury Office located at 101 W. Third Street. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm, excluding holidays. Simply bring your remittance stub and payment (cash, check, etc) to the teller during business hours. You’ll receive a printed receipt as confirmation.

This can be a good option if you want to pay with cash or need to speak with a customer service rep about your account. However, the limited hours make it less convenient than electronic payment options. Additionally, the Treasury Office is located downtown, so you’ll need to budget time for traffic and parking if paying your bill in person. Still, it’s a viable payment method if you prefer human interaction.

Retail Locations

For added convenience, Dayton has partnered with retail stores like CVS and Family Dollar to accept in-person payments. You simply take your water bill to a participating retailer, show the barcode to the cashier, and make a cash payment. This payment method just launched in 2022, so more locations will be added over time.

The main perk of paying at a retailer is that it allows you to pay your bill with cash on your own schedule. No need to go downtown or worry about credit cards – just stop by a participating store in your neighborhood. The payment confirmation comes via your receipt from the retailer. So this new option provides a quick, easy way to pay with cash.

Payment Plan

If you’re struggling to pay your water bill on time, Dayton does offer payment plans for customers who qualify. You’ll need to visit the city’s website and agree to the terms, which include sticking to the scheduled payment dates. Requirements also include keeping current on new monthly bills in addition to the plan.

Payment plans allow you to avoid shut off by paying past due balances in installments. However, plans are terminated if you miss payments, which could then subject your account to fees or shut offs. Payment plans can provide temporary relief, but ongoing budgeting is needed to get your water bill back on track.

Assistance Programs

For low-income residents, Dayton partners with several nonprofit agencies to provide bill payment assistance. These include the Homeownership Center of Greater Dayton, Catholic Social Services, Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), and more. Each agency has eligibility requirements to qualify for aid. Reaching out for assistance can help struggling households manage utility bills.

The key is not waiting until you receive a shut off notice. Being proactive about payment assistance programs is vital, as is calling Dayton’s customer service line if you foresee falling behind on payments. No one wants their essential water service turned off, so assistance combined with payment plans can help avoid shut offs. Don’t be ashamed to seek help paying your bill if money is tight.

Understanding Your Bill

To pay your water bill properly, you first need to understand what’s on it. Dayton water bills consist of separate charges for water service, sewer service, and trash collection. The city reads meters and sends bills monthly. Your usage charge is based on how much water you use, measured in Ccf (hundred cubic feet).

Your bill also includes fixed charges for customer service and fire protection, along with fees, taxes and assessments. If anything looks incorrect or confusing, don’t hesitate to call customer service for clarification. Understanding exactly what you’re paying for is key to budgeting for your monthly water bill responsibilities.

Setting Up Alerts

Since on-time payment is crucial, consider setting up billing alerts through Dayton’s online portal. You can choose text or email reminders when your bill is ready, when it’s due, when it’s late, and when service is at risk of being disconnected. These alerts act as useful prompts to pay your bill and avoid late fees.

Dayton also offers paperless billing, where you receive a monthly email with your bill attached as a PDF. Going paperless saves paper and makes accessing your bill even easier. Simply click to open the PDF rather than waiting for snail mail. Just be sure to check your spam folder periodically for paperless bills.

Paying your water bill may seem mundane, but it’s obviously important for maintaining this vital utility service. Stay on top of payments by utilizing Dayton’s convenient online portal, phone IVR, and other options. Understanding your charges, budgeting properly, and setting up alerts will help you pay your water bill smoothly and on time every month.