Paying your water bill is an essential responsibility as a resident of Youngstown. With easy online payment options, you can now take care of this chore quickly and securely from your computer or mobile device In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through the various ways to pay your Youngstown water bill online
Overview of Paying Water Bills in Youngstown
The City of Youngstown provides water services to residents and charges for this utility through monthly billing. Bills are typically generated on a 30 day cycle. As a customer, you are responsible for paying your water bill by the due date printed on your monthly invoice.
The total charges on your bill are for water usage, sewer usage, and a sanitation fee. Usage amounts are measured by your water meter and billed in units called CCFs (100 cubic feet). The rates per CCF are set by the city.
If your payment is late, you’ll incur a penalty charge of 5% on the water portion of the bill. Chronic late payments can eventually lead to water service shut off, so it’s important to pay on time every month
Benefits of Paying Your Water Bill Online
Paying online provides a number of advantages over mailing a check or paying in person:
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Convenience Pay anytime, anywhere in just a few clicks on your computer, smartphone or tablet Avoid trips to city hall or the post office
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Payment Flexibility: Make one-time payments or set up recurring automatic payments. Use credit/debit cards, bank accounts or electronic checks.
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Account Management: View pending and past bills online. Monitor usage and payment history. Go paperless.
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Avoid Late Fees: Pay on your schedule by due date and avoid penalty charges. Get payment confirmations.
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Secure Transactions: Encrypted connections keep your financial data safe and private.
Online Payment Options Through the City of Youngstown
The City of Youngstown offers two primary ways to pay your water bill online directly through their website:
Pay Online Portal
The pay online portal allows you to:
- Make instant payments on your credit or debit card
- Manage your water account
- View and print bills
- Check consumption trends and payment history
- Go paperless with e-bills
To use the pay online system, you’ll first need to create an account. Have your water account number and last name handy to register.
The portal can be accessed on desktop or mobile at youngstownohio.gov/payonline. Payments are processed by Invoice Cloud.
Bank Account Payments
You can also make secure automated clearing house (ACH) payments directly from your checking or savings account as a one-time or recurring payment.
To do this, you’ll need to log into your bank’s online bill pay system and set up the City of Youngstown as a payee, using account details provided on your water bill. Payments go through your bank’s system.
Double check that your account number, address and other details are entered correctly to avoid issues or delays in payment processing.
Other Ways to Pay Your Water Bill
If you prefer not to pay online or sign up for automated payments, the City of Youngstown offers these additional payment options:
Pay by Phone
Call (330) 742-8749 and select option 8 to make a payment through the automated phone system. You’ll need to enter your account number and address. Accepted payment methods are credit/debit cards and electronic checks.
Pay by Mail
Detach and mail the payment stub from your water bill along with a check or money order payable to Youngstown Water Department. Use the return envelope provided and allow 7-10 days for delivery.
Pay in Person
Visit the Youngstown Water Department office located on the 1st Floor of City Hall at 26 S. Phelps St. You can pay by cash, check, money order or credit card. Their customer service windows are open Monday-Friday from 9am-3pm.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Paying Online
Ready to pay your water bill online? Here is a detailed walkthrough:
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Visit the Pay Online Portal
Go to youngstownohio.gov/payonline to access the payment portal.
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Log Into Your Account
If it’s your first time, click “Register for new account” and provide your account number, last name, and email. Choose a password.
For repeat logins, enter your email and password.
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Select Pay Bill
Locate your current water bill and click “Pay Bill”. Review amount due.
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Enter Payment Details
Choose a payment method – credit card or bank account e-check. Enter your card number or e-check bank details and billing address.
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Confirm Payment
Verify payment amount and details before submitting.
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Get Confirmation
You’ll receive a payment confirmation email from Invoice Cloud. Your account will update instantly with the payment.
And done! By taking advantage of the convenient online payment options, you can now pay your Youngstown water bill in just minutes whenever it’s due. Set a reminder on your calendar, use account management tools, and take advantage of paperless billing to simplify the process. Paying on time protects your credit and ensures uninterrupted water service.
FAQs About Paying Your Water Bill Online
Is there a fee to pay my water bill online?
No, the City of Youngstown does not charge any fees for online payments. However, your bank or credit card company may have additional charges.
When can I pay online?
You can make online payments 24/7. There are no restricted hours. Pay early to avoid the last minute rush before due date.
What web browser should I use?
The online portal works on modern versions of all major browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, etc. Both desktop and mobile.
What if I forget my online account password?
Use the “Forgot Password” link on the portal login page. A reset link will be emailed to you.
What if my payment is late after paying online?
Online payments are usually processed instantly. As long as you pay by your due date, you should not get any late fees. Check your confirmation.
Can I set up recurring payments?
Yes, through the pay online portal you can easily schedule recurring automatic payments from your credit card or bank account.
Paying your water bill each month is a routine necessity. By managing your account and making payments online, you can save time while avoiding late fees. Use the convenient options from the City of Youngstown to pay your water bill digitally from anywhere.
Sewer Deduct Meter Request
If you have an ongoing water consumption application that does not involve drainage into the City sewer system (e.g. garden or lawn irrigation system), you may request a separate meter, without sewer fees, for that application. Refer to the form below:
Requests are subject to approval of the Youngstown Public Works Department and are not guaranteed to be accepted.
Ohio Meter Tampering Law
In accordance with the Ohio Revised Code Section 4933, 19(c), The Youngstown Water Department is required to notify customers annually of the Ohio Meter Tampering Law. Although most customers would never tamper with meters or service equipment, the Ohio Legislature enacted a meter tampering law to set penalties for the few whom are dishonest. The Ohio Meter Tampering Law defines tampering as interfering with, damaging, or bypassing a meter or service equipment to reduce the amount of water consumption registered on the meter. Under the law, proof of tampering or reconnecting a water meter is considered sufficient evidence that the customer caused the tampering or reconnected the meter.
Violators of the law may be sentenced to a maximum of five years in jail, and/or fined up to $2,500.00. In addition, violators must pay for the value of the water used and the cost of repairs or replacement of equipment.
You may obtain a hearing by submitting an online Dispute Your Bill form (see below) or in writing:
Youngstown Water Department Attn: Collection Supervisor 26 South Phelps Street Youngstown, OH 44503
You will then be notified of the time and place of the hearing. You have the right to inspect all Youngstown Water Department records regarding your account prior to your hearing. A hearing may not be requested for the sole purpose of preventing the disconnection of water service.
You may be represented by an attorney and you may present your own evidence if you so choose. Your water service will not be disconnected for the disputed amount while the hearing is pending. However, you MUST remain current on subsequent billings or you will be subject to collection action up to and including disconnection of service. After the hearing, the final decision of the hearing officer will be rendered and confirmed to you in writing. The decision of the hearing officer shall be binding upon all parties.