What Project Clear Pay does
Project Clear Pay is an Ohio program that lets you pay your water bill in installments instead of one lump sum. If you owe money to your water utility and cannot pay it all at once, you can set up a payment plan through this program. The utility company agrees to keep your service on while you make regular monthly payments toward what you owe.
This is different from a discount or forgiveness program — you still pay the full amount you owe, but spread across months. The goal is to keep your water running while you catch up on arrears (the bill amount you have fallen behind on).
Key Takeaways
- Project Clear Pay lets you pay overdue water bills in monthly installments instead of paying everything at once.
- You contact your local water utility directly to set up a plan; there is no separate application to a state office.
- The utility will not shut off your water while you are making payments on an agreed plan, as long as you stick to the schedule.
- Each utility sets its own rules about how many months you can spread payments across and whether there are fees involved.
- If you miss a payment on your plan, the utility may resume shutoff proceedings, so keeping to the schedule is essential.
How to set up a payment plan with your water utility
Contact your city or county water department directly — do not wait for a shutoff notice. Call the billing department and ask to speak with someone about a payment arrangement or payment plan. Have your account number ready (it is on your bill) and be prepared to say how much you owe and when you can start paying.
The utility will ask what monthly amount you can afford. They may have a minimum (often $25 to $50 per month, but this varies) and a maximum number of months they will stretch the plan across. Some utilities require a down payment before the plan starts. Ask whether there are any fees for setting up the plan — some charge a small fee, others do not.
Once you agree on the terms, ask the utility to send you written confirmation of the plan in the mail. This document should show the total amount owed, the monthly payment amount, the number of months, and the due date each month. Keep this letter — it is your proof that you have an active plan if a shutoff notice arrives.
What happens if you miss a payment
Missing even one payment can put your plan at risk. Most utilities will send you a notice warning that you have broken the agreement. You then have a short window (often 10 to 15 days) to make the missed payment and any current month's payment to get back on track.
If you do not catch up within that window, the utility may cancel your plan and resume shutoff proceedings. This means they can turn off your water without further notice. If this happens, contact the utility immediately to explain why you missed the payment and ask whether they will reinstate the plan. Some utilities will do this once; others have stricter rules.
To avoid this situation, set a phone reminder or calendar alert for a few days before each payment is due. If you know you will have trouble making a payment, call the utility before the due date and ask whether they can adjust the plan or give you extra time.
Which Ohio water utilities offer Project Clear Pay
Project Clear Pay is available through many Ohio water systems, but not all. The program is most common in larger cities and counties. Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Akron all have payment plan options, though they may use different names or have slightly different rules.
Smaller municipal water systems and rural cooperatives may not call their program "Project Clear Pay," but most will still work with you on a payment arrangement if you ask. Call your local utility's billing department and ask what options exist for customers who cannot pay their full bill at once. Even if they do not have a formal program name, they may be willing to set up an informal plan.
If you are not sure which utility serves your address, check your water bill — the utility name and phone number are printed on it. That is the number to call.
The difference between Project Clear Pay and other bill assistance programs
Project Clear Pay is a payment plan, not a bill reduction or forgiveness program. You owe the full amount; you are just paying it over time. This is different from programs that may reduce what you owe or forgive part of the bill based on income.
Some Ohio utilities also offer low-income bill assistance programs that may reduce your bill or help you pay arrears without requiring repayment. These are separate from Project Clear Pay. If you are struggling to afford water service because of low income, ask your utility whether they have an assistance program in addition to payment plans. You may be able to use both — for example, getting a bill reduction and then setting up a payment plan for what remains.
The utility's customer service line can tell you what programs they offer and which one fits your situation.
What to do if your water has already been shut off
If your water is already off, you will need to pay a reconnection fee in addition to your bill balance. This fee varies by utility but is typically $50 to $200. Some utilities will let you include the reconnection fee in a payment plan; others require you to pay it upfront before they will turn the water back on.
Call your utility immediately and explain your situation. Ask what the reconnection fee is, whether it can be added to a payment plan, and how quickly they can restore service once payment is made or a plan is in place. Some utilities reconnect the same day; others take one to three business days.
If you cannot afford the reconnection fee right away, ask whether the utility has an emergency assistance program or whether they will waive or reduce the fee based on hardship. Not all utilities will, but it is worth asking.
Keeping your plan on track
Set up automatic payments if your utility offers them. This removes the risk of forgetting a payment and losing your plan. You can usually set this up online through the utility's website or by calling billing and asking for automatic draft from your bank account.
If your financial situation changes and you cannot make the agreed payment, contact the utility before you miss a payment. Explain what has changed and ask whether they will modify the plan — lower the monthly amount and extend the timeline, for example. Utilities are often willing to adjust a plan if you reach out proactively rather than simply missing payments.
Keep copies of all payment confirmations and the original plan agreement. If a dispute arises about whether you have paid or whether you are in compliance with the plan, these documents protect you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I set up a payment plan if I have a shutoff notice?
Yes. Call the utility immediately and ask to speak with someone about a payment plan. Having an active plan usually stops the shutoff from happening, but you need to contact them before the shutoff date. If your water has already been shut off, you will also owe a reconnection fee.
What if I cannot afford the monthly payment the utility is asking for?
Tell the utility what you can actually afford to pay each month. They may be willing to lower the monthly amount and extend the plan longer. If they refuse, ask whether the utility has a low-income assistance program that might reduce your bill, making the monthly payment more manageable.
Do I have to pay the entire bill before my water is turned back on?
No. Once you have an agreed payment plan in place, the utility will not shut off your water as long as you make the monthly payments on time. You do not have to pay the full balance upfront.
What happens to my plan if I move to a different address?
Your plan is tied to the account at that address, not to you personally. If you move, you will need to close that account and open a new one at your new address. Contact the utility to discuss what happens to the remaining balance on your old account — some utilities will transfer it to your new account, others may require a new plan.
Can I dispute charges on my bill while I am on a payment plan?
Yes, but do it in writing and keep a copy. Send a letter to the utility explaining which charges you dispute and why. While the dispute is being reviewed, continue making your regular plan payments. Disputing charges does not pause your payment plan obligations.