Lima Ohio Water Utilities: Pay, Log In, Call, Start Service or Fix a High Bill
Use this 2026 guide for the City of Lima Utilities Customer Service Division, commonly called the water department. It explains how to pay a Lima water, sewer or refuse bill online, use the customer portal, call the correct billing or emergency number, start service, handle a previous balance, request an extension or leak adjustment, understand 2026 water-rate documents, check stormwater fees, report sewer backups, and read water-quality information from the Lima Water Treatment Plant.
Start Here: Fast Lima Water Utility Action Board
User need |
Official route |
Have ready |
Lima-specific next step |
|---|---|---|---|
Pay or log in online |
Customer number, account number, valid email and payment method. |
Use the portal for payments, bill/payment history, service requests, usage charts, notification preferences and account profile tools. |
|
Pay without registering |
7-digit customer number and 6-digit account number, including leading zeros. |
Use quick pay when you do not want to create an online account. |
|
Pay by phone |
Customer number, account number and card/payment details. |
The City says you must have both customer and account number for phone payment. |
|
Pay in person |
Customer Service Office, 424 N Central Avenue. |
Bill/account number and cash, check, money order, debit or credit card. |
Lobby hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. |
Use night box / kiosk |
West side of Customer Service building / drive-thru kiosk. |
Check or money order with account number. |
The City asks customers not to place cash in the night box; drive-thru kiosk is available 24/7. |
Set up automatic withdrawal |
Automatic Withdrawal form or online customer portal. |
Bank account information and account/customer details. |
Draft occurs each month on the due date stated on the bill. |
Scheduled for turn-off |
Pay at Utility Customer Service Office, 424 N Central Avenue. |
Full balance or required restoration amount, account/customer numbers. |
City online-payment page says turn-off accounts need payment at the office. |
Paid after previous-balance due date |
Call 419-221-5252 after payment. |
Confirmation number, amount, date/time and account number. |
The portal warns you must call after payment to avoid disconnect or have service restored. |
Emergency water turn-off or sewer backup |
Utility Field Services: 419-221-5175; after hours/weekends: 419-222-9761 |
Address, cross street, issue type, basement/yard location and safety concern. |
Call Field Services before hiring a sewer cleaner when the City sewer may need to be checked. |
Start utility service |
Water Service Agreement, picture ID and ownership/authorization proof. |
Deeded owner, authorized company representative or recent buyer with Recorder-stamped deed can put service in name. |
Quick answer: Lima utility customers can pay online through the City’s customer portal, pay by phone at 1-855-973-1210, call Customer Service at 419-221-5252, pay in person at 424 N Central Avenue, or use automatic withdrawal. If the account is scheduled for turn-off or you paid after the previous-balance due date, call the office after payment.
Provider Check: City Water, Sewer, Refuse or Stormwater?
Lima’s Utilities Customer Service Division handles billing and collection for utility accounts in Lima and surrounding areas. The bill may include water, sewer and refuse. Stormwater is a separate public-works utility assessment, so do not treat every charge on a Lima property as a simple “water-use” charge.
Water
Use the Lima water portal, customer/account number and 2026 Water Rates document to review drinking-water usage and minimum charges.
Sewer
Sewer treatment costs can be higher than water costs, and sewer backup questions should route to Utility Field Services.
Refuse
Refuse can appear on the utility bill. Vacant homes with 0 or 1 unit monthly usage may request refuse fee removal in writing.
Stormwater
Residential city properties are assessed one ERU; commercial properties are assessed by impervious area.
Bill line / issue |
Correct route |
Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
Water, sewer or refuse bill |
Utilities Customer Service, 424 N Central Avenue, 419-221-5252. |
This is the office that bills and collects Lima utility accounts. |
Online bill payment |
Lima Utilities Customer Service Portal / Paymentus. |
Portal requires customer number, account number and email for online payment. |
Previous balance / delinquent account |
Call 419-221-5252 after payment. |
Previous balance can make account subject to disconnect even after an online payment if the office is not contacted. |
Renter needs extension |
Customer Service plus written owner/authorized-agent permission. |
Lima’s FAQ says renters need prior written permission for extensions or payment agreements. |
Sewer backup |
419-221-5175 during business hours; 419-222-9761 after hours/weekends. |
Field Services can check the City sewer before you call a plumber or sewer cleaner. |
Private water line |
Owner handles from curb box to inside the house. |
The City handles water main to curb box; the customer handles curb box to home. |
Private sewer lateral |
Owner handles lateral from house to sewer main. |
City field check can help identify whether the City sewer is involved. |
Stormwater fee dispute |
Stormwater Billing Policy Dispute / Public Works Engineering. |
Stormwater ERUs are based on impervious area rules and can be reviewed separately from water billing. |
Official Lima Water Utility Phone Numbers, Office and Payment Contacts
Customer Service
Phone: 419-221-5252
Fax: 419-221-5208
Email: billing@cityhall.lima.oh.us
Billing Office
Address:
424 N Central Avenue
Lima, OH 45801
Lobby hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Field / After-Hours
Business-hours Field Services: 419-221-5175
After hours/weekends: 419-222-9761
Contact route |
Use for |
What to say first |
|---|---|---|
419-221-5252 |
Billing, account number help, previous balance, payment posting, start/close service, leak adjustment, payment agreements and customer questions. |
“My service address is [address], customer number is [number], and account number is [number].” |
1-855-973-1210 |
Pay by phone. |
Have both customer number and account number ready. |
424 N Central Avenue |
In-person payments, turn-off-risk payments, service agreements and customer-service lobby help. |
Bring bill, photo ID, account documents and payment method. |
billing@cityhall.lima.oh.us |
Service agreement submission, account paperwork, non-urgent billing documents and written requests. |
Attach legible ID/form only when required and include service address in subject/body. |
419-221-5175 |
Emergency water turn-off, sewer backup and field-service help during business hours. |
Give exact address, issue type and whether water/sewer is actively damaging property. |
419-222-9761 |
After-hours and weekend utility field issues. |
Use for urgent water shutoff or sewer backup when Customer Service lobby is closed. |
419-228-LIMA / 419-228-5462 |
General Lima Municipal Center contact and urgent city contact routing. |
Use when you need the broader City switchboard or Utilities Department routing. |
Bill Pay and Login: Exact Lima Utility Payment Steps
1. Find two numbers
Use the customer number and account number printed on the Lima utility bill.
2. Use the portal
Pay online through the Lima Utilities Customer Service Portal with Paymentus.
3. Watch turn-off status
If service is scheduled for turn-off, pay at the Customer Service Office.
4. Call after late payment
If paying after previous-balance due date, call 419-221-5252 after payment.
Payment method |
How it works |
Best for |
Do not miss |
|---|---|---|---|
Online portal login |
Register/sign in at the Lima Utilities portal. |
Customers who want bill history, usage charts, service requests and notification preferences. |
Online payments require customer number, account number and valid email address. |
Quick pay without registering |
Use Pay My Bill / Pay Now and enter customer/account numbers. |
Fast one-time payment. |
Customer number is 7 digits and account number is 6 digits; include leading zeros. |
Card online |
Portal with Paymentus accepts major card logos listed by the City. |
Credit/debit-card customers. |
Keep the payment confirmation. |
eCheck online |
Portal accepts eChecks as an online payment method. |
Bank-payment customers who do not want to mail a check. |
Make sure bank information and account number are correct. |
Phone payment |
Call 1-855-973-1210. |
Customers who prefer phone payment. |
You must have customer and account number. |
In-person office payment |
Pay at 424 N Central Avenue with cash, check, money order or accepted card. |
Turn-off risk, restoration, receipt or staff help. |
The Customer Service office is the only authorized payment center to accept water utility payments. |
Night box |
West side of the Customer Service building. |
After-hours check/money-order payment. |
Do not place cash in the night box. |
Drive-thru kiosk |
Available 24/7 at the Customer Service location. |
After-hours self-service payment. |
Use phone/office route for urgent disconnect/restoration questions. |
Automatic withdrawal |
Complete Application for Automatic Withdrawal or sign up through portal. |
Automatic monthly payment on due date. |
Your bill still shows due date and account charges; review it each cycle. |
Late or previous balance |
Pay required amount and call 419-221-5252 after payment. |
Disconnect prevention or restoration. |
The portal warns previous balance makes account delinquent and subject to disconnect. |
Start, Stop, Transfer or Restore Lima Utility Service
Start service
- Complete the Water Service Agreement.
- Provide a legible photo ID.
- Be deeded owner, authorized company representative or recent buyer with Recorder-stamped deed.
- Fax/email documents to 419-221-5208 or billing@cityhall.lima.oh.us if instructed.
Portal after setup
- After contract is initiated, City sends account and customer number by email or mail.
- Use those numbers to register online.
- Set eBills/eNotices or printed notices.
- Use portal for service requests and billing history.
Water turn-on
- If required release line is not initialed, customer must be present at turn-on.
- Call 419-221-5252 to schedule appointment if needed.
- Make sure inside and outside faucets/valves are off if not present.
- Exact service time may not be provided.
Close / final bill
- Owners can close existing account through Customer Service.
- Final payment not received within 90 days of final bill due date may be referred to collections.
- Unpaid balance may transfer to an active account in the City service area.
- Save final-bill and stop-service confirmation.
Rental warning: renters who pay the water bill may still need owner or authorized-agent permission for extensions/payment agreements. Owners should use the correct release/authorization forms so tenant account issues do not interrupt service unexpectedly.
2026 Lima Water, Sewer, Refuse and Stormwater Rate Checks
The City’s rate page links official 2026 Water Rates and 2026 Sewer Rates. Water charges are structured by monthly minimums, meter size and commodity tiers. Stormwater is assessed separately by ERU, while refuse can appear on the utility bill and may be removable in writing for qualifying vacant homes with very low usage.
2026 water rates
Official water-rate schedule is marked Rates Effective January 1, 2026.
5/8" standard minimum
Inside-city 2026 standard minimum for 1/2" or 5/8" meter is listed at $18.78.
First tier after 300 cu. ft.
Next 3,700 cubic feet is listed at $37.59 per 1,000 cu. ft.
Stormwater pay 2026
Residential city stormwater assessment is one ERU; 2025 pay-2026 monthly charge is $5.75 per ERU.
2026 water item |
Inside City amount / rule |
Bill-review meaning |
|---|---|---|
Rates effective date | January 1, 2026 | Use the 2026 Water Rates link for current water math. |
Conservation Credit Minimum | Applies to users consuming 300 cubic feet or less per month through 5/8" or 3/4" meter. | Low-use customers should check whether this line applies. |
1/2" or 5/8" standard minimum | $18.78 | Common residential meter minimum when monthly use is more than 300 cubic feet. |
3/4" standard minimum | $28.49 | Larger small-meter minimum. |
1" standard minimum | $42.59 | Larger meter fixed minimum. |
1-1/2" standard minimum | $79.55 | Large residential/commercial meter context. |
2" standard minimum | $127.79 | Higher fixed charge tied to meter size. |
Next 3,700 cu. ft. | $37.59 per 1,000 cu. ft. | First major usage block after first 300 cu. ft. |
Next 196,000 cu. ft. | $31.93 per 1,000 cu. ft. | Large-use tier. |
Next 300,000 cu. ft. | $29.06 per 1,000 cu. ft. | Very large-use tier. |
Over 500,000 cu. ft. | $26.33 per 1,000 cu. ft. | Large commercial/industrial context. |
Guaranteed water deposit | $150 per rental account | Rental account setup or guarantee context. |
Other bill line / fee |
Official detail |
How to check it |
|---|---|---|
2026 sewer rates |
City rate page links official 2026 Sewer Rates document. |
Compare your sewer minimum, usage and customer class to the linked PDF before disputing. |
Previous-balance penalty |
$10 or 10%, whichever is greater, for non-payment of prior month’s bill by due date. |
Check “Penalty” line if your bill had a previous balance. |
Same-day restoration high-priority fee |
$25 required in advance when same-day water restoration is requested/needed. |
Ask Customer Service before assuming online payment restores service automatically. |
Delinquent service fee |
$20 added to account after shutoff for non-payment. |
Include it when asking exact restoration amount. |
Additional trip charge |
$10 if crew came for turn-on and someone needed to be home but was not there. |
Call quickly after door hanger and confirm appointment rules. |
Refuse fee on vacant home |
If water is on and usage shows 0 or 1 unit, customer may request refuse fee removal in writing. |
Submit written request; do not assume it is automatic. |
Stormwater residential ERU |
One ERU for each residential property within City limits. |
Stormwater assessment is not the same as water consumption. |
Stormwater commercial ERU |
Commercial properties are assessed by impervious area; 1 ERU = 2,600 square feet. |
Use impervious-area dispute/credit process if square footage appears wrong. |
Stormwater pay-2026 rate |
$5.75 per ERU per month for 2025 pay-2026 schedule. |
Useful for 2026 bills/assessment review. |
Disconnect, Leak Adjustment, Sewer Backup and Field-Service Problems
Previous balance risk
The portal warns previous balance makes an account delinquent and subject to disconnect.
Leak adjustment
Only authorized account parties can request written leak adjustments under Utilities rules.
City vs owner line
City handles water main to curb box; customer handles curb box to inside house.
Sewer lateral
Customer maintains sewer lateral from house to sewer main.
Problem |
Likely rule / route |
Customer next step |
|---|---|---|
Water shut off for nonpayment |
Pay account balance in full; same-day restoration needs $25 high-priority fee and $20 delinquent service fee is added. |
Pay required amount, then call 419-221-5252 with confirmation. |
Previous balance paid online late |
Portal says call Customer Service after payment to avoid disconnect or have service restored. |
Do not assume online confirmation alone stops field action. |
Door hanger after missed turn-on |
$10 additional trip charge can be added if someone needed to be home. |
Call and reschedule turn-on; make access/faucet/valve conditions clear. |
Renter needs extension |
Written owner/authorized-agent permission is needed for renter extensions/payment agreements. |
Ask owner to sign authorization before deadline. |
Leak between curb box and home |
Customer responsibility. |
Repair private line; keep invoice, dates and photos for bill/leak discussion. |
Leak from water main to curb box |
City responsibility. |
Call Field Services with exact address/cross street and visible leak details. |
Sewer backup in basement |
Call 419-221-5175 during business hours or 419-222-9761 after hours/weekends. |
Ask Field Services to check City sewer before hiring private sewer cleaner. |
Private sewer lateral blockage |
Customer responsible from house to sewer main. |
After City check, call plumber/sewer cleaner if lateral appears private. |
Digging in yard |
Call OUPS/811 at least 48 hours before digging. |
Blue marks are water lines; green marks are sewer lines. |
Unauthorized payment center |
City says Customer Service office is the only authorized payment center to accept water utility payments. |
Avoid third-party locations not listed by the City. |
Water Quality, Treatment Plant, Lead Inventory and Rusty Water
Reservoir system
Lima’s raw-water system uses above-ground reservoirs filled from the Auglaize River and Ottawa River systems.
30 MGD plant
The Utilities Department lists a water treatment plant with 30 million gallons per day capacity.
2025 CCR
The 2025 Consumer Confidence Report is the latest public report for reporting-year 2026 using 2025 data.
Water-quality topic |
Official detail |
Customer action |
|---|---|---|
Source water |
West-side reservoirs are filled from the Auglaize River; east-side Ferguson, Metzger Lake and Lost Creek reservoirs are filled from Ottawa River. |
Read the current Consumer Confidence Report for full source and testing details. |
Treatment process |
Process includes clarification/softening, stabilization, rapid sand filters, granular activated carbon, chlorine, fluoride and polyphosphate additions. |
Use official treatment page before relying on neighborhood claims about water treatment. |
Laboratory testing |
Water supply and finished water are tested to meet State and Federal EPA standards. |
Call the laboratory/City Utilities if tap issue is sudden or persistent. |
Cloudy / milky water |
Usually dissolved air bubbles and normally clears from bottom upward in a minute or two. |
Fill a clear glass and watch whether it clears; call if it does not clear or has particles/color. |
Rusty / yellow water |
Can happen when rust deposits are stirred by a water-line break, hydrant flushing or firefighting. |
Avoid hot-water faucet while rusty water is present to keep rust out of hot-water tank. |
Lead in drinking water |
City says there is no lead in water coming from the treatment plant, but service lines and residential plumbing can matter. |
Check Lima’s lead service-line inventory and ask about old plumbing/service-line material. |
Lead service-line inventory |
2025 CCR search result says inventory as of January 21, 2026 listed 69 Tubeloy, 1,991 lead and 2,221 unknown material service lines. |
Look up address in City lead inventory map if you received a notice or have older plumbing. |
Sewer/water system scale |
Utilities Department lists approximately 500 miles of water mains, five elevated tanks, around 3,900 fire hydrants and 26,000 meters. |
Report main breaks, hydrant damage or pressure problems with the closest address/cross street. |
Stormwater, Refuse, Billing Disputes and Property-Side Checks
Residential ERU
Each residential property within City limits is charged one equivalent residential unit.
Commercial ERU
Commercial properties are assessed by impervious area, where one ERU equals 2,600 square feet.
Credits and disputes
Stormwater billing adjustments, disputes and credit programs are handled through Public Works / Stormwater routes.
Stormwater / refuse topic |
Official detail |
Best next step |
|---|---|---|
Stormwater purpose |
Utility funds design, inspection, maintenance and improvement of public stormwater infrastructure and NPDES MS4 controls. |
Do not dispute stormwater by saying “I used no water”; it is tied to runoff/impervious surface. |
Residential stormwater charge |
One ERU per residential property within City limits. |
Check property classification if the charge seems wrong. |
Commercial stormwater charge |
Based on total impervious area; 1 ERU = 2,600 square feet. |
Use impervious-area evaluation/dispute if paved/roof area changed. |
2025 pay-2026 stormwater rate |
$5.75 per ERU per month. |
Useful for 2026 assessment review. |
2026 pay-2027 stormwater rate |
$5.90 per ERU per month. |
Expect future billing/assessment changes under approved schedule. |
Stormwater credit program |
Non-residential properties may apply for stormwater credit after installing qualifying best management practices. |
Use Stormwater Credit Manual before spending money on BMPs. |
Rain barrel rebate |
City lists rebate for up to two rain barrels purchased per household. |
Check current year form and eligibility before buying. |
Tree rebate |
City lists rebate for up to two approved trees per parcel per year. |
Use current application and approved-tree guidance. |
Vacant home refuse |
With 0 or 1 unit usage, customer may request refuse fee removal in writing. |
Write request and keep copy; it is not automatic. |
Map: Lima Utilities Customer Service Office
Use this map for the Lima Utilities Customer Service Office at 424 N Central Avenue, Lima, OH 45801. This is the official billing office for in-person utility payments, turn-off-risk payments, service agreement support and customer-service lobby help.
Location / route |
Address / phone |
Best use |
|---|---|---|
Utilities Customer Service Office |
424 N Central Avenue, Lima, OH 45801; 419-221-5252 |
Billing, in-person payment, turn-off-risk payment, service agreement and customer-service help. |
Lobby hours |
Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. |
Live staff help and office payments. |
Phone payment |
1-855-973-1210 |
Pay by phone with customer and account number. |
Night box / drive-thru kiosk |
West side / drive-thru area at 424 N Central Avenue. |
After-hours payment; do not put cash in night box. |
Field Services |
419-221-5175 during business hours |
Emergency water turn-off, sewer backup and field-service concerns. |
After-hours field contact |
419-222-9761 after hours/weekends |
Urgent water shutoff or sewer backup when office is closed. |
Water Supply & Treatment |
1100 E. Wayne Street, Lima, OH 45804 |
Water treatment and quality context, not ordinary bill payment. |
Lima Ohio Water Utilities FAQ
What is the Lima Ohio water bill phone number?
Call the City of Lima Utilities Customer Service office at 419-221-5252 for billing, account number help, payment posting, service agreements, start/close service, leak-adjustment questions and general utility account help.
What is the Lima water bill pay-by-phone number?
Call 1-855-973-1210 to pay by phone. You must have the customer number and account number from the utility bill before calling.
Where do I pay my Lima water bill online?
Use the City of Lima Utilities Customer Service Portal. The portal supports Paymentus online payment by accepted credit/debit cards and eCheck, and it requires customer number, account number and a valid email address.
Can I pay my Lima utility bill without registering?
Yes. Use the Pay My Bill / Pay Now option and enter the customer and account numbers. The customer number is 7 digits and the account number is 6 digits, so include leading zeros.
Where is the Lima Utilities Customer Service office?
The office is at 424 N Central Avenue, Lima, OH 45801. The lobby is open Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
What payment methods does Lima accept in person?
The Customer Service office accepts cash, check, money order and debit/credit cards with Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express logos. The night box is also available, but the City asks customers not to place cash in the night box.
What should I do if my Lima water service is scheduled for turn-off?
The City’s online-payment page says payment must be made at the Utility Customer Service Office at 424 N Central Avenue if service is scheduled for turn-off. If you pay after the previous-balance due date, call 419-221-5252 after payment to avoid disconnect or have service restored.
How do I start Lima water service?
Complete a Water Service Agreement and provide a picture ID. The account can be placed in the name of the deeded owner of record, an authorized company representative, or a recent buyer with a Recorder-stamped deed.
Who do I call for a Lima sewer backup or emergency water turn-off?
Call Utility Field Services at 419-221-5175 during business hours. After hours and on weekends, call 419-222-9761.
Why is my Lima sewer or stormwater charge high?
Sewer charges can be higher than water because wastewater treatment and sewer collection are expensive. Stormwater is separate from water consumption: residential properties are charged one ERU, while commercial properties are assessed by impervious area where 1 ERU equals 2,600 square feet.
30-Second Lima Ohio Water Utilities Checklist
Pay/login: use the Lima Utilities Customer Service Portal; have customer number, account number and email ready.
Phone: call 419-221-5252 for Customer Service; call 1-855-973-1210 for phone payment.
Office: 424 N Central Avenue, Lima, OH 45801; lobby hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Turn-off risk: pay at the office if service is scheduled for turn-off; call 419-221-5252 after any late previous-balance payment.
Start service: submit Water Service Agreement plus photo ID; deeded owner, authorized representative or recent buyer can put service in name.
Emergency field help: call 419-221-5175 during business hours or 419-222-9761 after hours/weekends for sewer backup or emergency water turn-off.
High bill: check usage, meter size, 2026 water/sewer rate documents, prior balance penalty, refuse line, stormwater ERU, leaks, renter authorization and field-service issues before disputing.

Editorial Team
WaterBillGuide.us
The content on WaterBillGuide.us is researched and prepared by our editorial team. Our writers and researchers review publicly available information from official utility websites and service portals to create clear, step-by-step informational guides.
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