In person bill payment & permitting services at the Michael B. Coleman Government Center, 111 N. Front Street
office is open weekdays 7:30 am - 5 pm; the Sales and Permit Office is open weekdays 7:30 am - 4 pm.
After-hours Drop Box is available with free short-term parking in the garage across Long Street.
or call 614-645-8276 (weekdays 7 am - 6 pm). For non-business hours emergencies: Water 614-645-7788; Sewer 614-645-7102; Power 614-645-7627. View the
for description of emergencies.
Bill Pay assistance and payment plans
Behind on your bill? Help is available. Columbus residents may qualify for CARES Act payment assistance and anyone can apply for a payment plan. Learn about other resources, discounts you may qualify for, and other ways to reduce your bill.
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Consumer Alert - Payment, ID Badges, Collections and More
If someone identifies themselves as a city employee attempting to collect utility bill payment or a water sample, please call your local police department (Columbus: 614-645-4545). Our employees DO NOT collect bill payment in the field or over the phone; they wear a photo ID badge & a city-issued uniform. In addition, be aware of third party companies that charge additional fees to process payments to utility companies.
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Do Not Flush - No Wipes in the Pipes
Remember, no wipes in the pipes! Only toilet paper is truly flushable, despite what labels may claim. Anything else is not designed to break down, can clog home pipes and city sewers and must go in the trash instead. Here’s a friendly reminder on what not to flush, (including so-called "flushable wipes") to avoid clogs. Please report any public sewer issues to our Sewer Maintenance Operations Center, at 614-645-7102.
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Request a Special Payment Plan for Your City Utility Bill
Now you can apply directly online to request a Special Payment Plan (SPP) on your City utility bills. You may request an extension of one to three months on your current charges.
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Establish New Utility Service
Information on requesting new water, sewer or power service. Contact information for closing accounts, call: 645-8276 weekdays, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
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Customer Portal & Paperless Billing Options
Visit our Customer Portal to sign up for eBill, pay online with a check or credit card, auto pay and more.
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Bill Payment
Pay Online and other ways/locations to pay your utility bill. Check for unpaid sewer charges, learn how to reduce your bill, or complete a Tenant Billing Agreement.
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Summer Topics
Learn how to: maintain a healthy lawn, meter outdoor water use or the cost to fill a pool, make simple lawn care choices to save money and protect our water supply, participate in volunteer opportunities including Storm Drain Marking, start a community garden and more.
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Rates, Fees, and Connection Charges
Find current utility rates, charts detail the various service charges and fees associated with connecting to city water, sewers and fire hydrants, rates for power, festival rates & more. Average costs includes what an average bill runs, running toilets & faucets, outdoor watering and filling a swimming pool.
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Citywide Street Lighting
To report an existing streetlight outage online, visit the 311 Center or call 614-645-3111 (weekdays 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.) Information about street lighting options.
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Find a Certified Contractor
Authorization is required prior to working on City water or sewer lines. Residents can search the Citizen Portal for approved contractors. Note: DPU does not endorse or recommend any contractor.
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Flooding and Water Leak Info
Information and resources (including basement backup prevention devices) for customers experiencing flooding and water leak issues such as: basement or yard flooding; water meter leaks; leaks in the street or a hydrant; blocked storm drains causing street flooding &/or ice; safety & cleanup information for basement flooding; how to locate your main water control valve to turn-off during an emergency.
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Sustainable Steps
Sign up today! Help Sustainable Steps perform 30,000 home energy audits to help save energy and money in your home. Sustainable Steps is the City's innovative and ambitious climate action plan to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
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Meter Reading & Bill Calculation
It is recommended you check the meter and remote reader at least once a year, taking the reading from each device to compare with one another.
Learn how to find and read your meter and calculate bills. This is especially useful if you receive an unusually high or low bill. Also, learn where the shut-off valve is; you may need this in an emergency if you have a water leak.
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Keep It Clean
Prevent water pollution through everyday living with simple tips to keep our water clean. Simple steps you can take at home such as: disposal of household hazardous waste, yard waste (including pet waste) and cooking grease; making simple lawn care choices; reducing stormwater runoff; maintaining cars & driveways properly; litter clean-ups & more.
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Volunteer Opportunities
If you are interested in protecting our natural resources, get involved in
our public education programs. You, your community or school group can
participate in stream-bank litter cleanups, invasive plant removal & many
other activities that promote awareness & appreciation of our natural
waterways.
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