Utility bills are not the most exciting part of owning a home, but they do affect your monthly budget and your closing paperwork in Pickerington. If you are buying, selling, or just planning ahead, understanding how water, sewer, and storm charges work can help you avoid surprises. In this quick guide, you will learn what each fee covers, how your bill is calculated, key dates, and simple ways to manage costs. Let’s dive in.
What these fees fund
Pickerington utilities cover three separate services that keep daily life running smoothly.
- Water covers treatment, distribution, the meter, and fixed operating costs.
- Sewer covers the collection and treatment of wastewater.
- Stormwater funds the city’s drainage system, flood-control maintenance, and capital planning.
Current rates at a glance
According to the City of Pickerington’s Utility Billing page, the current published residential rates are: City utility rates and rules
- Water: $4.50 monthly service charge, plus $5.07 per 1,000 gallons for 0 to 12,000 gallons, and $7.30 per 1,000 gallons above 12,000 gallons.
- Sewer: $24.66 minimum for 0 to 3,000 gallons, plus $8.22 per 1,000 gallons above 3,000 gallons. Sewer is based on billed water use unless a deduct meter is installed.
- Stormwater: $4.50 per month for a typical single-family home.
How your bill is calculated
Pickerington bills water, sewer, and stormwater monthly. The city also notes that water and sewer fees automatically increase 3 percent each year on April 1. You can confirm current rates on the City’s utility page: annual increase note and rates
Example monthly bill
Assume a household uses 4,000 gallons in one month:
- Water: $4.50 service charge + 4 × $5.07 = $24.78
- Sewer: $24.66 for first 3,000 gallons + 1 × $8.22 = $32.88
- Stormwater: $4.50
- Estimated total: about $62.16 before any other charges
Your actual bill will vary with usage and any city fees. If your use is higher than 12,000 gallons, the extra water is billed at the higher water tier.
Billing cycle and payments
Pickerington issues bills on the 1st of each month for the prior month. The due date is the 15th. A 10 percent late penalty applies to unpaid current charges after the due date. See the City’s page for payment options and details: billing schedule and payments
Sewer basics in Pickerington
Sewer charges are based on your billed water use unless you install a City-approved deduct (irrigation) meter that tracks outdoor water separately. Pickerington’s sewer system also operates under a long-term service arrangement noted in the city code, which outlines user regulations and treatment practices: Sewer user regulations
Stormwater ERUs explained
Pickerington uses an Equivalent Residential Unit, or ERU, to set stormwater fees. A typical single-family home is assigned 1 ERU and billed $4.50 per month. Nonresidential properties are assigned ERUs based on impervious area per the city code. Learn more about ERUs and methodology here: Stormwater utility code
Irrigation, pools, and deduct meters
If you water your lawn or fill a pool, sewer charges do not drop automatically. To avoid sewer charges on outdoor water, you need a City-installed and approved deduct meter.
- A common residential deduct meter size is 5/8 x 3/4. The City publishes a fee for this meter and requires inspection.
- Water used outdoors still pays the normal water rate. The deduct meter simply prevents those gallons from being billed for sewer.
- For cost-benefit, compare your typical seasonal outdoor use to the meter fee and installation steps. Details are on the City’s page: deduct meter information
What to check before closing
Whether you are buying or selling in Pickerington, a few utility checks can save time and stress.
- Request a utility payoff or account status from the City’s Utility Billing office and confirm there are no unpaid balances.
- Ask if the property has a deduct or irrigation meter and whether it has been used for sewer credits.
- Buyers should ask for 6 to 12 months of past bills to see seasonal patterns.
- Clear any balances before closing. Unpaid stormwater and other utility charges can become a lien and may be certified to the county auditor for collection. See the code on certification and collection: lien and certification provisions
Smart ways to keep costs in check
- Fix leaks right away and upgrade to efficient fixtures.
- Tune irrigation schedules to avoid overwatering.
- Consider a deduct meter if you have heavy outdoor water use and plan to stay long enough to recoup the cost.
- Track monthly usage to spot spikes early.
Have questions about how utilities might affect your budget or closing timeline in Pickerington? Reach out for local, concierge-level guidance from Dedra Lucas.
FAQs
How are Pickerington water and sewer rates structured?
- Water has a monthly service charge plus tiered usage rates, and sewer has a monthly minimum for 0 to 3,000 gallons plus a per-1,000-gallon charge above that. See the City’s rate page for details: utility rates
Do water and sewer rates change each year in Pickerington?
- Yes. The City notes water and sewer fees increase 3 percent each April 1. Confirm current rates on the City’s page: rate updates
What is an ERU for stormwater in Pickerington?
- An ERU is the City’s unit for stormwater billing. Single-family homes are 1 ERU, while other properties are based on impervious area per code: stormwater ERU code
Can I appeal my stormwater ERU assignment?
- Yes. The code allows you to appeal in writing within a set timeframe. See the appeal process here: stormwater appeals
Who do I contact for account setup, final reads, or billing questions?
- Contact the City’s Utility Billing office. Phone numbers and payment links are on the City’s page: Utility Billing contact and payments
