Portland Utility Bill Pay & Water Help
Need to pay a City of Portland sewer, stormwater and water bill? This guide gives the useful answer first: official portal, one-time payment, 2.95% card fee, fee-free ACH options, pay-by-phone, pay-by-text, payment plans, financial assistance, start/stop service, high-bill leak checks and 24/7 water emergency help.
Do This First If You Just Want To Pay
Use the City’s Customer Self-Service system to pay, set autopay, view history or manage service.
Open CSS portalCredit/debit card payments have a 2.95% processing fee. Use ACH/bank payment to avoid it.
Fee detailsAutomated phone payment is available anytime. Dial 503-823-7770 and select option 1.
Call 503-823-7770For main breaks, sudden loss of water or water running down streets, call 503-823-4874.
Call emergency lineHow To Pay a Portland Sewer, Stormwater and Water Bill Online
Open the official CSS portal
Use css.portlandoregon.gov or start from Portland.gov’s official bill-pay page. CSS is the City’s Customer Self-Service system for sewer, stormwater and water bills.
Register with name and account number
The City says online access is set up using your name and account number. Register if you want autopay, paperless billing, payment arrangements, usage history or start/stop service tools.
Choose one-time payment if you only need today’s bill
One-time payment is available from the official payment page. Use it only after checking the account number, service address, due date and amount.
Pick the payment method carefully
Card payment adds a 2.95% processing fee. ACH/bank-account payment is the better route when you want to avoid the card fee.
Save proof and know the cancellation rule
If you need to cancel an online payment, the City says you must contact Customer Service before 5 p.m. the same day you made the payment.
Portland Utility Payment Options: What To Use and When
| Payment route | Official detail | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSS online account | Pay bill, autopay, paperless billing, pay by text, account updates, payment arrangements, service changes, monthly statements, billing/usage history, Clean River Rewards and GreenBucks. | Most customers, especially anyone who wants bill history or recurring payment. | Use Portland’s official CSS portal, not a third-party “water bill” site. |
| One-time online payment | Available from the official Pay My Bill page; no full portal setup required. | Quick payment when you already have the correct account. | Card fee still applies if you use credit/debit card. |
| ACH / bank account | City says customers can avoid processing fees by making electronic payment directly from a bank account. | Fee-conscious customers and autopay users. | Two returned payments in 12 months restrict check/ACH options for one year from the second returned payment. |
| Credit or debit card | Processing fee is 2.95%, charged by the online bill payment provider and shown as “Invoice Cloud.” | Customers who want card payment and accept the fee. | Switch autopay to ACH before due date if you want to avoid card processing fees. |
| Phone payment | Automated phone system is available at all times: call 503-823-7770 and select option 1. | Customers who prefer phone payment or cannot use the portal. | Use Customer Service for payment cancellation or account problems. |
| City of Portland, P.O. Box 4216, Portland, OR 97208-4216. | Non-urgent check or money order payment. | Allow mail and processing time before the due date. | |
| Walk-in Center | 664 N. Tillamook St., Portland, OR 97227. In-person payments Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m., except holidays. | Cash, check or money order payment; in-person account help. | Customer Service phone hours are 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; walk-in payment hours end earlier. |
| Pay by text | Sign up in CSS. Text comes from City of Portland or Invoice Cloud and includes amount, due date and prompt to reply “OK.” | Registered customers who want quick text reminders and payment receipts. | The original text expires after two hours. The City says it will never ask for bank/card numbers by text. |
CSS Portal Tools Worth Using
Pay and AutoPay
Pay your bill, set up autopay and update stored payment methods.
Paperless billing
Turn off mailed bills and receive electronic bill notices.
Pay by text
Get text bill notices and pay by replying “OK” with a saved payment method.
Usage history
View billing and usage history before assuming a high bill is only a rate issue.
Payment plans
Set payment arrangements through the online account or contact Customer Service.
Service changes
Start, stop or transfer sewer, stormwater and water service.
Clean River Rewards
Enroll to reduce stormwater charges if your property manages stormwater on-site.
Monthly statements
Split most quarterly residential bills into three monthly statements without changing the total.
Credit/Debit Card Fee and Fee-Free Payment Choices
Card fee
Credit and debit card payments have a 2.95% processing fee. The fee is charged by the payment provider, not the City, and appears as “Invoice Cloud.”
Fee-free ACH
Use ACH directly from your bank account through the billing website, one-time payment option or automated phone payment line.
Autopay tip
If autopay uses a card, the card processing fee applies. Change the stored autopay method to ACH before the autopay due date to avoid the fee.
Pay by Text: Safe Use Rules
How it works
After you sign up in CSS, you receive a text when your bill is ready. The text includes amount, due date and a prompt to reply “OK.”
Two-hour window
The original text expires after two hours. If you reply later, the system sends a new text and you must reply “OK” again.
Scam check
The City says it will never ask you to share bank account or credit card numbers by text.
Portland Water Bureau Phone, Email, Walk-In and Mail
Customer Service
503-823-7770
Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Free interpretation is available.
PWBCustomerService@portlandoregon.gov
Use for account questions, requests and payment arrangement help.
Walk-in Center
664 N. Tillamook St.
Portland, OR 97227. In-person payments 8 a.m.–4 p.m., weekdays except holidays.
Mail payment
City of Portland
P.O. Box 4216, Portland, OR 97208-4216.
Water emergency
503-823-4874
24 hours a day, 7 days a week for main breaks, sudden water loss, water running down streets and water service issues.
Water quality
503-823-7525
Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Email: WBWaterLine@portlandoregon.gov.
Water efficiency
503-823-4527
Email conserve@portlandoregon.gov for help saving water and money.
Need More Time To Pay? Payment Arrangement Rules
Official direction: If you cannot pay the full sewer, stormwater and water bill, call 503-823-7770 or email Customer Service. The City says it offers small, interest-free payment plans to help keep accounts current or get past-due bills back on track.
| Situation | Official detail | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Normal active account | Payment is due 21 days after the billing date. | Call or email before the due date if you need more time. |
| Past-due bill | Customer Service can help with payment plans and financial assistance screening. | Do not wait for shutoff or collection action. |
| Defaulted arrangement | If you default, you are not eligible for new arrangements on the current balance until missed payments are paid. | Ask for the shortest realistic plan you can actually keep. |
| Mobile phone provided | The City may send urgent texts about payment status or the utility account. | Keep the phone number current in CSS. |
Portland Financial Assistance: Discounts, Crisis Voucher and Bill Help
Bill discount
Income-qualified single-family residential customers can apply. Proof of income is required, and customers must reapply every two years.
Crisis voucher
The City describes crisis assistance up to $500 based on account balance. Customer must be enrolled in the main assistance program and pay part of the bill.
Clean River Rewards
Customers who manage stormwater safely on their property may qualify for up to a 35% discount on stormwater bills.
| Need | What the City asks for | Best next step |
|---|---|---|
| Apply for bill discount | Service address, household names, birthdates for anyone 60+, and gross monthly income by source for all household members over 18. | Apply online, request a mailed application, or work with a partner Community Service Center. |
| Request crisis help | Personal crisis affecting ability to pay, enrolled in assistance program, no crisis assistance in previous 12 months, and partial bill payment. | Contact Customer Service at 503-823-7770 or email PWBCustomerService@portlandoregon.gov. |
| Lower the bill long-term | Water-saving steps, leak repair, monthly statements, Clean River Rewards, and assistance screening. | Use the financial assistance page and ask Customer Service which options fit your account. |
2026–27 Portland Sewer, Stormwater and Water Rate Details
Use this section when a current bill looks higher than last year. The City updates rates by fiscal year, and bills include water, sewer, stormwater and base charges.
| Charge | July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027 detail | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Water volume | $8.833 per ccf. One ccf equals 100 cubic feet, or 748 gallons. | Based on water used during the billing period. |
| Typical water example | City example: 15 ccf per quarter equals $132.50 in water volume charges. | Compare your bill’s ccf before blaming fees alone. |
| Residential sewer volume | $14.24 per ccf of water used. | Residential sewer charges may use winter average water use or actual use, whichever is lower. |
| Nonresidential sewer volume | $14.73 per ccf of water used. | Commercial/nonresidential sewer charges are based on actual water use. |
| Stormwater billable area | Based on developed area such as rooftops, pavers, patios and driveways; single-family homes are grouped by size category. | Property changes or category questions may affect stormwater charges. |
| Minimum bill | For July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027, the minimum for a 90-day quarterly bill is $40.08. | All customers pay at least the minimum sewer, stormwater and water amount. |
| Flood Safety Benefit Fee | Single-family residential customers pay $3.60 on a typical 90-day quarterly bill, about $1.20 per month. | Newer line item tied to required flood safety infrastructure payments. |
What Your Portland Utility Bill Pays For
Water
Water volume charges pay for Portland’s drinking water system, including sources, treatment facilities and miles of pipe.
Sewer
Sewer charges pay for pipes, pump stations and wastewater treatment that move and treat wastewater.
Stormwater
Stormwater charges pay for managing runoff from individual properties and the shared stormwater system.
Start, Stop or Transfer Portland Sewer, Stormwater and Water Service
Online
Use the CSS portal’s Start, Stop, Transfer Service option to open, close or transfer the account.
Phone
Call 503-823-7770. Service representatives are available Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., except holidays.
Email Customer Service with the information requested on the official start/stop/transfer page.
High Portland Water Bill: Check These Before Paying Blindly
Toilet leaks
Portland Water Bureau says leaking toilets are one of the biggest causes of high water use. Silent leaks can still raise the bill.
Meter test
Turn off water inside and outside, carefully open the meter box, and watch the leak indicator or sweep hand for movement.
Indoor vs outdoor
If the meter moves, shut off the house’s main water valve to help isolate whether the leak is inside or outside/underground.
| Bill symptom | Likely cause | What to do now |
|---|---|---|
| Water use suddenly jumped | Toilet leak, faucet leak, irrigation, underground leak, extra household use or outdoor watering. | Use CSS usage history, meter test and toilet dye test before calling. |
| Sewer charge looks high | Residential sewer can be based on winter average water use or actual use, whichever is lower. | Review how your sewer volume was calculated and compare winter-use period. |
| Stormwater charge seems wrong | Billable area category may not match current property conditions. | Review stormwater billable area category and Clean River Rewards options. |
| High bill after fixed leak | Leak water increased usage during billing period. | Repair first, then request a leak adjustment with Customer Service. |
Leak Adjustment and Leak Repair Help
Official rule summary: Portland customers may qualify for bill adjustments when property-side leaks impact utility bills. The City says customers should request adjustments after leaks have been repaired, and City staff will check the water meter to verify the leak has been fixed.
Repair first
Fix the leak before requesting the adjustment. Save repair dates, receipts, photos and plumber notes.
12-month eligibility
Each account may receive one adjustment in 12 months for underground/outdoor leaks that do not go to sewer and one for leaks that do go to sewer, such as toilet leaks.
Leak repair program
Income-qualified homeowners enrolled in financial assistance may qualify for the Home Water Leak Repair Program. Funds and wait times can change.
Local Portland Tips That Prevent Utility Bill Problems
Do not confuse Portland, Oregon with Portland Water District
Portland Water District is a different utility in Maine. For Portland, Oregon, use Portland.gov and CSS.PortlandOregon.gov.
Quarterly bills can feel large
Most residential customers receive bills quarterly. If that timing is hard, the City lets customers sign up for monthly statements through CSS.
Stormwater discounts can matter
If rainwater safely soaks into the ground on your property, Clean River Rewards may reduce stormwater charges.
Use the emergency line only for water emergencies
Call 503-823-4874 for main breaks, sudden water loss or water running down streets. Use 503-823-7770 for billing and account help.
Portland Walk-In Center Map and Visit Planning
Use the map for orientation only. Verify hours before visiting, especially around City holidays or weather events.
Walk-in Center
664 N. Tillamook St., Portland, OR 97227.
Payment hours
Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m., except holidays.
Bring this
Bill/account number, payment method, ID if needed, leak repair proof, notices, and any payment confirmation.
Official Portland Utility Links Used in This Guide
City of Portland Water Bill FAQs
Where do I pay my City of Portland water bill online?
Use the official Customer Self-Service portal at css.portlandoregon.gov or start from Portland.gov’s Pay My Bill page for sewer, stormwater and water bills.
Is the Portland bill only for drinking water?
No. The City of Portland utility bill commonly includes sewer, stormwater and water charges, so review all bill sections before assuming a high bill is only water use.
What is Portland Water Bureau Customer Service phone number?
Call 503-823-7770. Service representatives are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., except holidays.
How do I pay by phone?
Use the automated phone system at 503-823-7770 and select option 1. It is available at all times.
Is there a fee for credit or debit card payment?
Yes. The City says customers who use a credit or debit card pay a 2.95% processing fee charged by Invoice Cloud. ACH/bank-account payment avoids this fee.
Where do I mail a Portland utility payment?
Mail payment to City of Portland, P.O. Box 4216, Portland, OR 97208-4216.
Where can I pay in person?
Visit the Walk-in Center at 664 N. Tillamook St., Portland, OR 97227, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., except holidays.
What number do I call for water emergencies?
Call 503-823-4874, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for water emergencies such as main breaks, water running down streets, sudden loss of water and other water service issues.
Can I get help if I cannot pay my Portland utility bill?
Yes. The City offers payment arrangements, bill discounts, crisis voucher help for eligible customers, monthly statement options and other assistance. Contact Customer Service at 503-823-7770 or apply through Portland.gov.
Can I get a bill adjustment after fixing a leak?
Possibly. Portland customers may qualify for a leak-related bill adjustment after a property-side leak is repaired and verified. Contact Customer Service or use the official leak adjustment page.
How do I start, stop or transfer Portland water service?
Use the CSS portal’s Start, Stop, Transfer Service option, call 503-823-7770, or email Customer Service with the required move information.
Is WaterBillsPay.org the official City of Portland website?
No. This is an independent informational guide. Use Portland.gov and CSS.PortlandOregon.gov for live balances, payments, rates, assistance, service requests and emergency instructions.
Pay Your Water Bill Safely, Fix High Bills, Avoid Shutoff, Start Service and Find Official Utility Links
Use this free USA water bill assistant before paying online, calling utility billing, setting up AutoPay, checking a high bill, requesting leak help, starting or stopping service, handling a past due account, or searching for the official city utility portal.
What water bill problem do you need to solve?
Choose your situation. The tool will suggest the safest route, what to prepare, and which official page or office to check first.
Open the official city, county, water authority or utility website first. Do not enter account details into a random sponsored payment page.
If the bill is unusually high, compare usage, billing days, meter read type, toilet leaks, irrigation, late fees and leak adjustment rules before paying blindly.
Safe Water Bill Payment Route
Choose how you want to pay. This helps users avoid wrong portals, posting delays and urgent shutoff mistakes.
AutoPay / Bank Draft Setup Helper
Use this before enrolling in recurring payments so the first draft, current balance and payment date do not surprise you.
High Water Bill Review
Compare your normal bill and usage with the current bill. This gives a practical path before requesting a high bill review.
Leak Adjustment Proof Checklist
Use this before asking for a leak adjustment, high bill review, sewer adjustment or payment plan.
Past Due, Shutoff Notice and Reconnect Helper
Use this if your bill is late, you received a shutoff notice, service is off, or you need a payment plan.
Start, Stop or Transfer Water Service
Use this before moving, closing an account, starting service, transferring service or requesting a final bill.
Water Bill Cost Estimate
Estimate a simple monthly bill from base charge, water usage, sewer, stormwater, trash, service fees and late charges. Official tiered rates may be different.
Bill Dispute and Meter Reading Checklist
Use this before calling billing support about a meter reading, duplicate payment, wrong address, missing payment, estimated bill, or incorrect charge.
Official Water Bill Portal and Phone Finder
Enter city/utility and state to create safe searches for official water bill pay, phone payment, guest pay, AutoPay, start service, leak adjustment, reconnect, assistance and this site’s guide.
Official portal safety
- Use official city, county, authority or utility websites first.
- Check service address before paying.
- Save confirmation number and screenshot.
- Call the utility for shutoff or reconnect situations.
Best sitewide placement
Place this tool after the first payment section or before FAQs. It turns every water bill article into a practical help page, not only a list of links.
Important note
This tool gives educational guidance only. Always confirm payment portals, fees, shutoff rules, assistance programs, account balance and reconnection steps with the official utility.