This article covers the ClearStream reporting fee, step 4 of ClearStream: when to pay it, and payment options, including partial arrangements.

01/ Introduction

Step 4 of the ClearStream workflow — Process reporting fee — is where you pay the fee that covers the cost of documenting your test results and producing your ClearStream Report on the ZDHC Gateway. It is separate from the laboratory testing fee, which you arrange directly with the laboratory.

This step is available after a ZDHC Approved Wastewater Laboratory accepts your testing request. ZDHC requests the reporting fee at this stage to confirm a laboratory is committed to the testing.

A valid subscription must be in place before the laboratory can submit test results, and before those results become visible to you on the platform.

02/ If you already have an active subscription

If your organisation already holds a valid ClearStream subscription, this step will show your current subscription details — including the start and end dates — and you do not need to pay again. The step will be automatically marked as complete, and the workflow will advance.

03/ Checking your payment and subscription status

At any point in the workflow, you can check the current status of your payment by clicking View payment status on the Process reporting fee step card.

The payment status page shows:

• The total amount due and any outstanding balance.
• Transaction IDs and payment details.
• The subscription start and end dates.
• An option to download your invoice.

Tip: You can return to the payment status page at any time to check details or download your invoice, even while waiting for results.

Note: The laboratory cannot submit results until payment is confirmed. If payment is pending, workflow steps remain locked.

04/ Step 4: Completing payment

1. In the ClearStream workflow, open the Process reporting fee step.
2. Review your payment details and total due.
3. Select your payment method: card or bank transfer.
4. Enter all required fields for your chosen payment method.
5. Confirm the payment. Your subscription becomes active once processed.

05/ Partial payments

If a payment is made for less than the full amount due, the outstanding balance is shown on the payment status page. You can pay any remaining balance by card directly on the invoice page — open the invoice via the Download invoice button, then select the option to pay the outstanding amount online.

Tip: Paying by card is usually faster for resolving a partial payment, especially if the original payment was via bank transfer.

06/ Bank transfer payments

If you choose bank transfer, the platform will show your invoice with payment instructions. The payment status page will show Pending until the money arrives.

Note: Bank transfers can take several business days. The lab cannot submit results until confirmation is received. Consider card payment if you have a deadline.

07/ Tips & Notes

Note: Settling the ClearStream reporting fee through your wastewater laboratory is currently not possible.