City of Lima, Ohio | Water, Sewer & Refuse Billing
Pay Your Lima Water Bill, Access Your Account and Contact Utilities
Need to make a payment, sign in to your water account, start service or report a water problem? The City of Lima Utilities Customer Service Division manages billing for water, sewer and refuse services. Here are the official payment links, contact numbers, office details and instructions you need.
Lima, OH 45801
8:30 AM–4:30 PM
How to Pay Your Lima Ohio Water Bill Online
The City of Lima provides a customer payment portal where you can pay without registering for an online account. You need two numbers from your utility statement.
- Open the official payment portal. Visit Lima Water – Pay My Bill.
- Find your customer number. Enter the seven-digit customer number printed on your bill. Include any leading zeros.
- Enter your account number. Type the six-digit account number associated with your service address, including leading zeros.
- Review your balance. Confirm that the displayed account and amount are correct before selecting payment.
- Select a payment method. The city accepts major credit cards and e-checks through its online payment system. Follow the options displayed on the portal.
- Complete your payment. Review any processing charges, submit the payment and save your transaction confirmation.
Lima Water Customer Login and Registration
If you regularly pay Lima water bills, registering for an online account may be more convenient than entering your account details for every payment.
Open the City of Lima Customer Service Portal. Use the login section if you already have a username and password, or select Register Now to create an account.
What Can You Do After Logging In?
- View current utility charges and previous payments.
- Review billing and payment history.
- Check water usage through available consumption charts.
- Manage eBills, printed statements and account notifications.
- Request service changes or payment arrangements where eligible.
- Update account preferences and contact information.
Forgot Your Username or Password?
On the portal login screen, choose Forgot Username or Forgot Password. Follow the verification instructions using your registered email address and requested account details.
For username recovery, the portal may request your email address, customer number and account number. Check your inbox after submitting the request.
Other Ways to Pay City of Lima Utility Bills
Not everyone wants to make an online payment. Lima offers several alternatives, including an automated phone system, an in-person office, a night drop box and recurring bank withdrawals.
| Payment Method | Where or How | What to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Online | Official payment portal | Customer and account numbers required. |
| Phone | 855-973-1210 | Automated payment system; keep your bill nearby. |
| In person | 424 N. Central Avenue, Lima | Cash, check, money order and major cards accepted. |
| Drive-through kiosk | Utilities Customer Service Center | Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. |
| Night drop box | West side of the customer service building | Do not deposit cash. |
| Automatic withdrawal | Customer portal or authorization form | Recurring payment on the utility bill due date. |
Payments are due by the close of business on the due date printed on your bill. The city identifies its Customer Service Office as its authorized in-person payment center.
Set Up Automatic Water Bill Payments
- Visit the official customer portal.
- Sign in or register using your utility account information.
- Review available recurring payment options.
- Alternatively, download the city’s Automatic Withdrawal Application (PDF).
- Follow the form’s submission instructions and verify when automatic payment becomes effective.
Do not assume automatic withdrawal has started until the city confirms enrollment. Continue checking upcoming due dates.
Starting, Stopping or Transferring Water Service in Lima
Moving into a house or apartment? The city requires a Water Service Agreement and valid photo identification to establish service.
Start New Service
- Open the Lima Water Start New Service page.
- Download the Utility Service Contract linked on that page.
- Complete the contract with your service address, contact details and other requested information.
- Prepare a readable copy of your valid photo ID.
- Email the contract and identification to billing@cityhall.lima.oh.us, fax them to 419-221-5208, or visit the office.
- Watch for confirmation or an appointment request from customer service.
The city asks customers to allow 24 business hours for the request to be completed. On the service initiation date, the meter reader obtains the opening reading used to begin your billing history.
Stopping or Transferring Service
Use the customer portal to find the start, stop or transfer service options. Have your account number, present service address, requested closing date and forwarding contact details available.
If you are renting, confirm who is authorized to make changes to the account. Certain requests and payment arrangements can require property-owner authorization.
2026 Lima Water Rates and Common Billing Charges
The City of Lima publishes separate water and sewer rate schedules. Charges depend on meter size, consumption, whether the property is inside city limits and other applicable services.
Selected 2026 Water Minimum Charges
| Meter Size | Inside-City Conservation Minimum | Inside-City Standard Minimum |
|---|---|---|
| 1/2-inch or 5/8-inch | $14.25 | $21.38 |
| 3/4-inch | $18.78 | $28.49 |
| 1-inch | Not listed for this conservation category | $42.59 |
The conservation minimum applies to qualifying customers using 300 cubic feet or less per month through a 5/8-inch or 3/4-inch meter. Standard minimums apply under the schedule’s other consumption rules.
These figures are water minimum charges, not estimates of your complete monthly bill. Consumption, sewer, refuse, applicable surcharges and other account charges can increase the total.
Official source: City of Lima Water Rate Schedule – Effective January 1, 2026 (PDF).
For current water and sewer rate documents, visit the city’s official utility rates page.
Why Can Bills Outside Lima City Limits Be Higher?
The city’s customer FAQ explains that residential water customers outside corporate limits are subject to a contract-fee surcharge equal to 50% of the water charge. For commercial customers, the stated surcharge is 100%.
If you live just outside Lima, compare the service address and billing category before assuming a high amount is a meter error.
What If the House Is Vacant?
If water remains turned on at the street, the account may still receive minimum monthly charges even with no usage. The city says customers showing zero or one unit of monthly usage may request removal of the refuse fee. That request must be made in writing.
Late Water Bills, Penalties and Reconnection
Missing a payment can result in late charges and possible disconnection. If you are already behind, contact the water billing office rather than relying on an online payment alone.
- Late penalty: The city’s FAQ lists a charge of $10 or 10% of the unpaid prior balance, whichever is greater.
- Reconnection: The city states that the account balance must be paid in full following disconnection for nonpayment.
- High-priority restoration: A $25 fee applies when same-day restoration is requested.
- Delinquent service fee: The city’s FAQ lists an additional $20 charge.
- Additional trip: A $10 charge may apply if an employee returns because no one was available for a scheduled restoration.
High Water Bill, Leaks or Incorrect Charges
Lima’s billing system includes water, sewer and refuse charges. Before disputing a high balance, identify which part of the bill actually increased.
- Compare consumption. Check the current and previous meter readings and the usage graph on your statement.
- Look at billing dates. Confirm the billing period and whether a previous balance was carried forward.
- Inspect possible leaks. A running toilet, leaking faucet or damaged service line can increase water use.
- Check additional charges. Look for sewer, refuse, penalty or outside-city contract fees.
- Contact billing. Call 419-221-5252 if the charges still appear incorrect.
The customer portal also lists a Leak Adjustment Request form. Ask the utility whether your situation qualifies and what documentation is required.
Who Is Responsible for a Leaking Service Line?
According to the city’s service FAQ, Lima maintains the water service line from the water main to the curb box, generally located in the tree lawn. The property owner is responsible for the portion from the curb box to the house.
For sewer laterals, the customer is generally responsible for the line running from the house to the sewer main.
Emergency Water Shutoff and Sewer Backup Contacts
Billing questions and emergency utility problems go to different departments. A water main break, urgent shutoff or sewer backup should be reported to Field Services.
Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM–3:30 PM
Evenings, weekends and after-hours utility emergencies.
If sewage is backing up into your property, avoid contact with contaminated water. Keep people and pets away from affected areas and contact the utility about possible public-system involvement.
For water service interruptions, have your address, the approximate time the problem began and details of any visible leak available when calling.
City of Lima Utilities Customer Service Location
Utilities Customer Service Center
424 N. Central Avenue
Lima, Ohio 45801
Customer service: 419-221-5252
Phone payments: 855-973-1210
Fax: 419-221-5208
Billing email: billing@cityhall.lima.oh.us
Lobby hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM.
Drive-through payment kiosk: Available 24/7.
View office location on Google Maps →
The billing office at 424 N. Central Avenue is different from Lima Municipal Center at 50 Town Square. Visit the billing location when you need in-person water account assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I pay my Lima Ohio water bill online?
Use the City of Lima’s official portal at limawater.cityhall.lima.oh.us/pay-my-bill. You will need your customer number and account number.
Can I pay without registering an account?
Yes. The portal provides a Pay Now option for customers who prefer to make a one-time payment without creating an online login.
What is the Lima water billing phone number?
Call 419-221-5252 for billing and customer service. For automated phone payments, call 855-973-1210.
How many digits are on the Lima water account number?
The online payment portal requests a seven-digit customer number and a six-digit account number. Include leading zeros shown on your statement.
Can I pay my utility bill in cash?
Yes. The city’s Customer Service Office at 424 N. Central Avenue accepts cash payments during office hours. Do not leave cash in the night drop box.
What happens if I pay after the previous balance due date?
The payment portal instructs customers to call 419-221-5252 after making the payment to avoid disconnection or arrange service restoration. Accounts already scheduled for shutoff may require in-person payment.
How do I start water service in Lima?
Complete the city’s Water Service Agreement, provide valid photo identification and submit the documents to Customer Service. The city asks customers to allow 24 business hours for processing.
Why is my sewer charge higher than my water charge?
Wastewater treatment and sewer collection infrastructure have different operating costs from drinking-water supply. Review the current sewer rate schedule and contact Customer Service if you suspect a billing error.
Who do I call if my sewer backs up?
Call Utility Field Services at 419-221-5175 during business hours or 419-222-9761 after hours and on weekends.
Does Lima charge a water bill even when a house is empty?
Yes, minimum charges may continue while water service remains active at the street. The city also provides a written-request process for certain refuse charges on properties with little or no water use.