Where to send your Akron water payment
The City of Akron's water utility, run by the Department of Public Utilities, accepts payments through three main routes: online through their website, by mail to their lockbox address, or in person at their payment centers. The fastest and most convenient method is online, where you can pay immediately without postage or travel time. If you prefer mail or in-person payment, both are available but take longer to process.
Online payments go through the city's official billing portal at www.akronohio.gov. You will need your account number, which appears on your bill, and a valid payment method — debit card, credit card, or bank account. The city charges no fee for online payments made by bank transfer, though credit and debit card payments incur a processing fee of roughly 2.5 percent.
If you mail your payment, send it to the address printed on your bill. The city's lockbox processor typically takes 5 to 7 business days to record your payment after it arrives, so mail early if your due date is approaching. Include your account number on the check or money order to ensure the payment reaches your account.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment through the city's website is fastest and free if you pay by bank transfer, though credit card payments carry a processing fee.
- Your account number appears on your water bill and is required for any payment method you choose.
- Mailed payments take 5 to 7 business days to post after arrival, so send them well before your due date.
- The city operates payment centers where you can pay in person during business hours without a fee.
- If your bill is overdue, contact the Department of Public Utilities directly to discuss payment arrangements before service is disconnected.
How to find your account number and due date
Your account number is printed on the front of your water bill, usually in the upper right corner or near your name and address. The due date appears near the amount owed and is typically 20 to 30 days from the bill date. If you cannot locate your bill, you can find your account number by calling the Department of Public Utilities at (330) 375-2700 or visiting their office in person.
The city sends bills monthly, and your due date remains the same each month unless you move or your account changes. If you have not received a bill, contact the utility department at least a week before the expected due date so they can resend it or provide the information over the phone.
Paying online through the city's billing portal
To pay online, go to www.akronohio.gov and look for the "Pay My Bill" or "Online Bill Payment" link, usually found under utilities or customer services. Enter your account number and the last four digits of your phone number or your zip code to locate your account. Once you log in, you will see your current balance and payment history.
Select the amount you want to pay — you can pay the full balance or a partial amount. Choose your payment method: bank account (no fee), debit card (processing fee applies), or credit card (processing fee applies). Enter the payment details and confirm. You will receive a confirmation number immediately; save or print this for your records.
Online payments are typically posted to your account within one business day if you pay by bank transfer, or within two business days if you use a card. If you need to pay by a specific date, account for this processing time and submit your payment early.
Mailing a check or money order
Write your account number on the check or money order. Include your name and address so the payment can be matched to your account. Mail to the address shown on your bill — this is usually a lockbox address managed by a third-party processor, not the city's main office.
The lockbox typically receives mail within 2 to 3 business days of posting, then takes another 2 to 4 business days to process and post the payment to your account. This means a check mailed on a Monday may not appear on your account until the following week. If your due date is within 7 days, consider paying online or in person instead.
Keep a copy of your cancelled check or a photo of the money order receipt as proof of payment. If you are concerned about whether your payment arrived, call the Department of Public Utilities to confirm it has been posted.
Paying in person at Akron payment centers
The City of Akron operates payment centers where you can pay your water bill in cash, check, or debit card during business hours. The main payment center is located at the Department of Public Utilities office. Hours and exact locations may vary, so call (330) 375-2700 to confirm the address and hours before you visit.
Bring your account number and payment method. If paying by check, write your account number on it. Cash and debit card payments are posted immediately, while checks may take one business day. You will receive a receipt showing the amount paid and the date.
What to do if your bill is overdue
If your payment is more than 30 days late, the city may issue a notice of intent to disconnect service. This notice gives you a window — usually 10 to 15 days — to pay or contact the utility to arrange a payment plan. Do not ignore this notice; service disconnection can happen quickly after the deadline passes.
Contact the Department of Public Utilities immediately at (330) 375-2700 if you cannot pay the full amount by the due date. The city may offer a payment arrangement that lets you pay in installments over several weeks or months. Explain your situation clearly; the utility is often willing to work with customers who communicate before service is cut off.
If your service has already been disconnected, you will need to pay the full overdue balance plus a reconnection fee to restore water. The reconnection fee varies but is typically $50 to $100. Reconnection usually happens within one business day of payment.
Setting up automatic payments
The city's online portal allows you to set up automatic monthly payments from your bank account. This ensures your bill is paid on time every month without you having to remember the due date. To set this up, log into your account on the city's website and look for the "Auto Pay" or "Recurring Payment" option.
You can choose to pay the full bill amount each month or a fixed amount if you prefer to pay in installments. You can cancel or change automatic payments at any time through your account. Automatic payments are deducted on or shortly after your due date each month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Akron water bill with a credit card online?
Yes, the city accepts credit cards through their online portal, but a processing fee of roughly 2.5 percent is added to your payment. If you want to avoid the fee, pay by bank transfer instead, which is free.
How long does it take for my online payment to show up on my account?
Bank transfer payments typically post within one business day. Credit and debit card payments may take up to two business days. If you need the payment to post by a specific date, submit it at least two days early.
What happens if I pay late?
Payments more than 30 days late trigger a disconnection notice. You then have 10 to 15 days to pay or contact the city to set up a payment plan. If you do not respond, the city will disconnect your water service. Reconnection requires paying the full overdue balance plus a reconnection fee.
Can I pay someone else's water bill for them?
Yes, you can pay online using someone else's account number, or you can mail a check with their account number written on it. If paying in person, bring their account number so the payment is credited correctly.
Is there a phone number to call and pay my bill directly?
The Department of Public Utilities does not accept payments over the phone. You must pay online, by mail, or in person at a payment center. Call (330) 375-2700 if you have questions about your bill or need help locating your account number.