Backflow preventers are mechanical plumbing devices installed in a plumbing system to prevent water from flowing backward in the system.  A properly installed, tested and maintained backflow preventer at the service entrance to a building or property can reliably prevent the backflow of water of an unknown quality from flowing back into the community water system.

Typically, backflow prevention devices are required for plumbing system connections that contain chemicals or industrial fluids, irrigation systems, fertilizers or auxiliary water sources (including reclaimed water). 

Annual Testing

The City sends notifications, through BSI Online, to most businesses 30 days prior to their testing due date. As of 2019, the City does not require residents to install a backflow devise on older homes.  The Wayne County building code requires this on all new homes and has done so for the last 20 years. For help determining if you have or need a backflow device, please contact the Utilities Director at 330-925-2062.  Not all devices are testable.

What is a Cross Connection?

A connection between drinking water pipes and any source of potential contamination is a cross connection. When the water pressure changes from internal usage or water system fluctuations, contaminated water may backflow into your plumbing from unprotected cross connections. Common household cross connections are garden hoses left in chemicals or in a pool and attachments to hoses used to apply lawn chemicals.

The Utilities Department also serves as the City's point of contact for their contracted trash service. Currently, this is the Kimble Companies. Kimble uses carts for trash and recycling. The City has weekly trash and recycling pick-up every Tuesday. Kimble will empty the cart and pick up a maximum of ten bags of trash in addition to what is in the cart.

Kimble will also pick up one bulk item per week. Furniture with cushions or bedding (mattresses, box springs) need to be wrapped in plastic, with the plastic taped shut. If your trash or recycling is not picked up by the end of business on the assigned day, please call 330-925-2059.

The Utilities Department accepts the following payment types:

• Bank check

• Cash

• Credit card through Nexbillpay (See below)

• Money order

There is a drop box on the East side of the building, in the brick wall, for all payments. Payments accepted 24/7 in our drop box for your convenience. 

Online Bill Pay. There is a 2.95% fee anytime a credit/debit card (with a minimum of $1.95 fee) and a check fee of a $1.50 using the Nexbillpay service. To pay over the phone or for any NexBillpay related questions, please call 1-866-584-3770.

**You will need your account number to pay through this third party. (Please note all account numbers were update on April 1st, 2025).

You can also sign up for ACH, where the monthly bill amount comes out of your bank account automatically each month. Over 600 people are already taking advantage of this service. You will receive a bill as normal so that you know how much will come out of your account on the due date. Just fill out the ACH form (PDF), sign, and return this form to get started. You can drop it off in person at office (49 W. Ohio), mail it in, or email it to utilities@rittman.com.

Find forms for signing up for city utilities.

Contact Information by Issue/Request

• No water or to report a water line leak: 330-925-2059

• Water billing or to set up a new service account: 330-925-2059

• Water meter problems or questions: 330-925-2059

• Drinking water quality complaints: 330-925-2062

• Information on the City's Sewage Reception Station: 330-925-2062

• Report a leaking or damaged fire hydrant: 330-925-2062

• Sewer backups: 330-925-2062