Paying Your Water Bill in Canton, Ohio: A Simple Guide

Living in Canton Ohio means relying on the city for your water supply. As a resident it is your responsibility to pay your water bill so the city can continue providing this essential service. Paying your bill on time and in full avoids penalties and service disruptions. This article will provide a simple guide to paying your Canton water bill conveniently and efficiently.

Overview of Canton’s Water Billing

The City of Canton Water Department handles water billing and payment processing for residential and commercial customers within city limits. Water bills are issued monthly and are based on metered water usage plus a fixed service fee. Bills are mailed out around the 10th of each month and are due by the 28th to avoid late fees

There are approximately 25,000 water customer accounts in Canton. The average monthly water bill is around $65 for a single family home. Rates are set by the Canton City Council and only slightly go up each year.

Payment Options

Canton offers several convenient ways to pay your water bill each month:

• Online – The fastest and easiest way to pay is through the online payment portal. You can pay by credit/debit card or e-check. First time users must create an online account.

• By phone – Call 330-649-8100 to pay over the phone using a credit/debit card or checking account.

• By mail – Detach and mail the payment stub from your paper bill with a check or money order. Allow 7-10 days for mail delivery.

• In person – Bring your payment to Canton Water Department at 306 2nd St SE. The drop box is accessible 24/7. Office hours are Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm.

• Using auto-pay, you can set up your bank to automatically pay your bill every month, so you don’t have to do anything.

Billing Cycles and Due Dates

Water bills are issued monthly on a rolling cycle based on location. Your individual bill will show the service period covered and exact due date. However, bills are generally due around the 28th of each month.

Late fees apply if payment is received after the due date. Services may be disconnected if a bill is more than 45 days past due. Reconnection fees will also apply after disconnection.

Budget Billing

To make payments more predictable, Canton offers Budget Billing which averages usage over 12 months. Your bill will be the same amount each month based on your past annual usage. Budget billing can be set up by calling 330-649-8100.

Payment Assistance Programs

For customers having trouble paying their water bill, several local programs offer assistance:

• HEAP – The Home Energy Assistance Program provides federal money to help pay utility bills. Apply through ICAN Housing.

• PIPP – Percentage of Income Payment Plan caps bills based on income. Apply through Ohio Dept of Development.

• HWAP – Home Weatherization Assistance Program provides upgrades to improve efficiency and lower utility costs.

The City of Canton wants all residents to have access to essential water and sewer services. Reach out for help if you are struggling to pay your bill.

Avoiding Late Fees and Disconnection

To avoid penalties and service interruptions, customers should:

• Pay bills in full by the due date each month
• Contact the billing office quickly if you anticipate having trouble paying on time
• Set up automatic payments or budget billing for consistent, predictable bills
• Apply for financial assistance programs if eligible

Disconnections can only happen after proper written notice is issued. Paying past due balances or setting up a payment plan will stop disconnection.

Moving In or Out of a Canton Home or Apartment

Be sure to notify the Water Department anytime you start or stop service. This ensures billing is accurate:

• Start service – Contact the utility billing office several days before your move-in date to establish service in your name. Provide your name, new address, and move in date.

• Stop service – Similarly, inform the billing office several days before you move out and discontinue service. Provide a forwarding address for your final bill.

Remember to close out your final bill to avoid unintended ongoing charges.

Accessing Account Information

Canton provides several ways to access your account information and payment history:

• Online account – View bill amounts, payment confirmations, and account balance through the online portal.

• Monthly bill – Your printed bills show previous and current charges plus payments received.

• Phone – Call customer service at 330-649-8100 with account questions or to check your balance.

• Email/mail – Reach out to [email protected] or the billing address with inquiries.

Monitoring your account online ensures you see issues right away. Update your contact information if your phone number or address changes.

Disputing Your Water Bill

If you believe your water bill is inaccurate, contact Canton Water Department right away to dispute the charges:

• Request a meter re-read to double check usage. Errors can happen with meter readings.

• Inspect your plumbing system for leaks, running toilets, or other waste. Fix any issues promptly.

• Provide proof if you were out of town for a prolonged period and usage seems too high.

• Ask about payment plan options if a leak caused a spike in your bill.

Disputes must be submitted within 10 days of receiving your bill. The city will work with customers to resolve issues and provide fair, accurate billing.

Paying your water bill on time is a responsibility that comes with being a Canton resident. Follow this guide to pay bills conveniently, manage your account online, and avoid any penalties from late payments. With a few simple steps, you can keep your water service flowing smoothly. Contact the billing department if any issues arise with your account.