Where to pay your Portland water bill
Portland Water & Drainage Services (PWD) gives you three main ways to pay: online through their website, by phone, or by mail. The online portal at portlandoregon.gov/water is the fastest route — you can pay immediately with a bank account or debit card, and the payment posts within one business day. You do not need to create an account; you can pay as a guest using your account number from your bill.
If you prefer to call, PWD's automated phone system accepts payments 24/7 at the number on your bill. You will need your account number and a bank account or debit card. For mail payments, write your account number on the check or money order and send it to the address printed on your statement — allow 7 to 10 business days for the payment to reach PWD and post to your account.
You can also set up automatic payments through the online portal so your bill is paid on the same date each month. This prevents late fees and takes the task off your to-do list, though you should still review your statement each month to catch any billing errors.
Key Takeaways
- Pay online at portlandoregon.gov/water without creating an account, or call the automated system 24/7 using your account number and a debit card.
- Your water bill includes charges for water, sewer, and stormwater drainage — three separate line items that vary based on your usage and location.
- Late fees begin 16 days after the bill date, so paying by the due date shown on your statement avoids extra charges.
- Your meter reading appears on the bill and shows how many hundred cubic feet (CCF) of water you used; one CCF equals 748 gallons.
- If you cannot pay your full bill, PWD offers a payment plan that spreads the cost over several months without disconnection during the arrangement period.
Reading your Portland water bill
Your bill shows three separate charges: water supply, sewer, and stormwater. The water charge is based on how much you actually used, measured in hundred cubic feet (CCF). One CCF equals 748 gallons. Your meter reading appears near the top of the bill — it shows the current reading and the previous reading, and the difference between them is what you are charged for.
The sewer charge is also based on your water usage, because PWD assumes most water that enters your home leaves through the sewer system. The stormwater charge is a fixed monthly fee that does not change with your usage; it covers the cost of managing rainwater runoff in your neighborhood. All three charges are added together to create your total due.
Look for the due date on your bill — this is when payment must arrive at PWD to avoid a late fee. The bill also lists any adjustments or credits applied to your account, such as a leak adjustment if you reported a high bill in a previous month.
What happens if you miss the due date
A late fee of 1.5% of the unpaid balance is added to your bill if payment does not arrive by the due date shown on your statement. This fee is applied 16 days after the bill date. If your bill remains unpaid for 60 days, PWD will send a notice of intent to shut off service. You then have 10 days to pay or contact PWD to arrange a payment plan before the water is actually shut off.
If your water is shut off, you must pay the full past-due balance plus a reconnection fee to restore service. The reconnection fee varies but is typically $75 to $150. Reconnection usually happens within one business day of payment, though it may take longer if the shut-off occurred on a weekend or holiday.
Payment plans and hardship assistance
If you cannot pay your bill in full, PWD offers a payment arrangement that lets you spread the cost over several months. To set up a plan, call PWD's customer service line at the number on your bill and speak with a representative. You will need to explain your situation and agree to a payment schedule. Once a plan is in place, PWD will not shut off your water as long as you make the agreed payments on time.
PWD also has a Low Income Household Assistance Program for customers whose household income falls below 200% of the federal poverty line. This program can reduce your monthly water bill. You will need to provide proof of income, such as recent pay stubs or a tax return. Contact PWD directly to learn what documents they need and how to apply.
Understanding meter readings and usage charges
Your water meter measures usage in hundred cubic feet (CCF). The meter reading on your bill shows two numbers: the current reading and the previous reading from last month. Subtract the previous reading from the current reading to find how many CCF you used. Multiply that number by 748 to see your usage in gallons — this helps you understand whether your bill is higher or lower than usual.
A typical household uses 30 to 50 CCF per month, though this varies based on family size, outdoor watering, and whether anyone in the home has a leak. If your usage suddenly jumps, check for running toilets, dripping faucets, or leaks under sinks. A single running toilet can waste 200 gallons per day and add $30 or more to your monthly bill.
PWD offers a free leak detection service. If you suspect a leak, call customer service and ask for a meter check. A representative can read your meter and help you locate the problem before it becomes expensive.
Disputing a bill or reporting a leak
If your bill seems too high or you believe there is an error, contact PWD's customer service within 30 days of receiving the bill. Have your account number and the bill in front of you. Explain what seems wrong — for example, "My usage jumped from 35 CCF to 95 CCF with no change in my household" — and PWD will investigate.
If PWD finds that a leak caused the high bill, they may adjust your charges. The adjustment depends on how long the leak went undetected and whether you have a history of similar issues. PWD typically allows one leak adjustment per customer per year, though you can request a second adjustment if the circumstances are unusual.
Report a leak as soon as you notice it. If water is actively leaking from your meter or from a pipe on PWD's side of the connection, call the emergency line on your bill. If the leak is on your property, it is your responsibility to repair it, but reporting it to PWD creates a record in case you later request a bill adjustment.
Setting up online account management
Create an account on portlandoregon.gov/water to view your bill online, set up automatic payments, and get email reminders before your due date. You will need your account number and the service address. Once logged in, you can see your usage history going back several months, which helps you spot trends or sudden changes.
The online portal also lets you report a problem, such as a leak or a billing question, without calling. You can upload photos or documents to support your report, and PWD will respond within a few business days. This creates a written record of your communication, which is useful if you later need to reference what you reported and when.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Portland water bill with a credit card?
The online portal and phone system accept debit cards and bank account transfers, but not credit cards. If you want to use a credit card, you would need to pay through a third-party service that charges a processing fee — PWD does not recommend this because the fee is passed to you and increases your total cost.
What is the difference between my water bill and my sewer bill?
They are not separate bills — they appear as line items on a single statement from PWD. Water is what enters your home; sewer is the charge for removing wastewater. Stormwater is a third line item for managing rainwater. All three are due on the same date.
How often do I get a water bill?
PWD bills monthly. Your bill date depends on when your meter is read, which is based on your service address. Most customers receive a bill on the same date each month, though the exact date may shift by a day or two.
What if I think my meter is broken and reading too high?
Call PWD and request a meter test. A technician will read your meter and compare it to your usage pattern. If the meter is faulty, PWD will replace it at no cost to you. If the meter is working correctly but your usage is genuinely high, the technician can help you find leaks or other sources of waste.
Do I have to pay my water bill if I am moving out?
Yes. Contact PWD at least three business days before you move to request a final meter reading. PWD will bill you for usage up to your move-out date. You are responsible for paying that final bill even if you have already moved, so make sure PWD has a forwarding address or email where they can send it.