Q: How do I start service?
A: Call 740-203-1250, extension 4, at least 24 hours prior to wanting services in your name.
Q: I have a broken water pipe. Will the City fix it?
A: It depends on the location. The City of Delaware is responsible for all water pipes and connections leading up to and including your water on-off valve. Customers are responsible for anything from the on-off valve into the property. The valve usually is located outside, either in a water meter pit or by itself.
Q: My trash and/or recycling was not picked up today. Who can help me?
A: Phone 740-203-1810, email pwcs@delawareohio.net, or visit here.
Q: Can I speak with someone about my bill?
A: Yes, you can speak to someone about your bill. Call 740-203-1250, extension 4. Utility billing staff is available M-F, 8 am to 5 pm. You can also email us.
Q: Why is my water bill high?
A: There could be several reasons. Have you had a house guest recently? Or maybe you’ve done some outside watering? The most common cause, however, is the toilet. A continuously running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons a day; that can double a family’s typical water user. First, check for the most common leak: a deteriorated or defected flush valve (flapper) ball at the bottom of the toilet tank. If it does not make a tight seal water will leak into the toilet bowl. To check for a leaky toilet follow these steps:
- Take the lid off of the tank behind the bowl, flush the toilet, and then wait for it to fully refill.
- Put a few drops of dye or a colored dye tablet (food coloring works well) in the tank.
- Wait at least 20 minutes; longer if you suspect it is a small leak.
- If there is any color in the toilet bowl, there is a leak.
- The second most common type of leak has to do with an improperly adjusted or broken fill (ballcock) valve.
- To check for this take the lid off of the toilet tank, flush, and see if water is draining into the overflow tubes when the tank is full.
Q: I paid my water bill online but I don’t see my payment recorded. What’s taking so long?
A: Online payments are processed through a third-party company called Official Payments and require 24 hours to be recorded.
Q: I moved a month ago. Why did I receive a water bill from you?
A: You are always billed in arrears, meaning the invoice reflects fees from a prior time period; in your case, your last month in the residence.
Q: I’m moving and the realtor said the water account can be taken out of my name. Why did you turn it off?
A: For accounts to remain active, a responsible party must be identified. When moving out of a home, contact our Utility Billing office at least 24 hours before you leave, so we can schedule a final reading and obtain your forwarding address.
Q: Why is my sewer charge larger than my water charge?
A: It’s not unusual for a sewer fee to be higher. As environmental regulations have become more and more stringent over the past few decades, the costs of treating wastewater to required levels have risen substantially.
