Water and sewer service in Cincinnati is managed by Greater Cincinnati Water Works, which is part of the City of Cincinnati. Your water bill covers both water service and sewer charges, and paying it is simple once you know the right place to go.
The official place to pay
All water and sewer payments are handled through the GCWW online portal:
From there you can log in or create an account to view your balance, see your billing history, and make a payment. You can also pay as a guest if you have your account number handy.
What the bill covers
Your monthly GCWW bill includes charges for both water usage and sewer service. The sewer portion is calculated based on your water usage, so a higher water usage month will typically result in higher sewer charges as well.
Payment options available
GCWW offers several ways to pay:
- Online through the portal above using a credit or debit card, or bank account
- By phone, using the number listed on your bill statement
- By mail, sending a check or money order to the address on your bill
- In person at a GCWW payment location
The online portal is the most convenient option for most people and gives you an instant confirmation of your payment.
Setting up a payment plan
If you are having trouble keeping up with your bill, GCWW offers a payment plan program called PromisePay. You can set up an arrangement directly through this link:
https://promisepay.mygcww.org/
This is the official path for setting up a plan. You do not need to call in advance.
Assistance programs
GCWW has programs in place for customers who qualify for billing assistance, including the Discount 4 U program for income-qualified households. More information about eligibility and how to apply is available on the billing information section of the GCWW website:
https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/water/billing-payments/
Late fees to know about
GCWW assesses late fees on past-due balances at a rate of 10% per year, calculated based on the number of days the payment is overdue. A $30 charge may also apply if a payment is returned or fails to clear.
If your bill seems unusually high
A sudden spike in your water bill is often caused by a leak. GCWW has a leak adjustment program that may help reduce charges if a leak is found and repaired. More details about that process are on their billing information page.
If you believe there is an error on your bill, GCWW has a formal dispute process. You can start that through your account in the portal or by contacting them directly through:
https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/water/contact-us/
The bottom line
For most residents, paying online at https://mygcww.idoxs.net/ is the quickest and most straightforward option. If you need a payment arrangement or have questions about your bill, the official GCWW resources above are the right starting point.