Where to pay your Tualatin Valley Water District bill
Tualatin Valley Water District (TVWD) serves customers in the Portland metro area, including Beaverton, Hillsboro, and surrounding communities. You can pay your bill through several methods: online at the district's website, by phone, by mail, or in person at their office. The fastest and most convenient option for most people is online payment through your TVWD account.
To pay online, log into your account on the TVWD website using your account number and password. If you don't have an online account yet, you can create one in a few minutes. The district accepts electronic payments from checking or savings accounts, and there is no fee for this method. Payments made online typically post within one business day.
If you prefer to pay by phone, call TVWD's customer service line during business hours. Have your account number and payment method ready. For mail payments, write your account number on the check and send it to the address listed on your bill. Mail payments take longer to process — usually five to seven business days — so mail early if your due date is approaching.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment through your TVWD account is free and the fastest method, with payments posting within one business day.
- You can also pay by phone during business hours, by mail, or in person at the district office.
- Your bill shows your account number, due date, and the amount owed in a clear format that you should keep for your records.
- If you cannot pay your full bill by the due date, contact TVWD immediately to discuss payment arrangements before your service is disconnected.
- TVWD offers budget billing and low-income assistance programs that may reduce your monthly payments.
Understanding what's on your TVWD bill
Your TVWD bill includes several key pieces of information. At the top, you'll see your account number, service address, and billing period. The bill shows your current charges, which typically include a base service charge (a fixed monthly fee) and usage charges based on how much water you consumed that month. Usage is measured in hundred-cubic-foot units, often called "units" or "CCF."
Below the charges, you'll find the amount due and the due date. TVWD bills are usually due within 20 days of the billing date. If you pay after the due date, a late fee will be added to your next bill. Your bill also shows your previous balance, any payments you made since the last bill, and your current balance owed.
Some bills include additional line items: taxes, stormwater fees (if your property drains to a TVWD system), or seasonal adjustments. Read the notes section at the bottom of your bill — it often explains any unusual charges or changes to your account.
Setting up automatic payments
Automatic payment is a reliable way to ensure you never miss a due date. Through your online TVWD account, you can set up automatic withdrawals from your bank account on a date you choose — typically a few days before your bill is due. Once you set it up, the payment happens automatically each billing cycle without you having to log in or remember the due date.
To enroll, log into your account, find the autopay or automatic payment option, and enter your bank account details. You can change or cancel automatic payments at any time through your account settings. If you want to stop autopay, do so at least a few days before your next scheduled payment to avoid a charge you don't want.
What to do if you can't pay on time
If you know you cannot pay your bill by the due date, contact TVWD before the deadline. The district may be able to set up a payment plan that spreads your balance over several months. This is much better than waiting until your service is disconnected — reconnection fees and late charges add up quickly.
TVWD typically allows a grace period of a few days after the due date before late fees apply, but this varies. Call customer service to ask about your specific situation. Have your account number ready and be honest about when you can pay. The district is more willing to work with customers who reach out early than those who ignore bills.
If you are struggling with water bills because of financial hardship, ask about TVWD's low-income assistance programs. Some programs reduce your monthly charges or help with past-due balances. You may need to provide proof of income, but these programs exist specifically to help customers in your situation.
Checking your usage and finding leaks
Your TVWD bill shows how much water you used during the billing period. If your usage seems unusually high, a leak is often the cause. Check your bill history — you can view previous months' usage through your online account. A sudden jump in usage compared to the same month last year is a red flag.
To find a leak, turn off all water inside and outside your home, then check your water meter. If the meter is still moving, you have a leak. Leaks can be small (a dripping faucet or running toilet) or large (a break in an underground pipe). Small leaks waste money; large ones can cause serious damage. If you find a leak, repair it as soon as you can.
TVWD's website has information on how to read your meter and detect common leaks. If you believe a leak caused an unusually high bill and you've since repaired it, contact the district to ask about adjustment options. Some water districts offer one-time adjustments for documented leaks, though policies vary.
Updating your account information
Keep your contact information current with TVWD so you receive bills and notices on time. If you move, change your phone number, or want to update your email address, log into your online account and edit your profile. You can also call customer service to make changes over the phone.
If you want to change who receives the bill — for example, if you're a landlord and want the tenant's name on the account — contact TVWD directly. You'll need to provide proof of ownership or authorization. If you're moving out and want to close your account, notify the district at least a few days before your move date so you're not charged for water you don't use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I don't pay my TVWD bill?
Late fees are added to your account after the due date passes. If you don't pay for several billing cycles, TVWD will send a disconnection notice. After that notice period expires, the district can shut off your water service. Reconnection requires paying all past-due amounts plus a reconnection fee, which is expensive. Contact the district immediately if you're behind on payments.
Can I dispute a charge on my TVWD bill?
Yes. If you believe a charge is incorrect, contact TVWD customer service with your account number and an explanation of the issue. The district will review your account and meter readings. If a leak caused an unusually high bill, provide documentation of the repair. The district will investigate and may adjust your bill if an error is found.
Does TVWD offer budget billing?
Many water districts offer budget billing, which spreads your annual water costs evenly across 12 months so your bill is the same each month. This makes budgeting easier and avoids surprise high bills in summer. Contact TVWD to ask if this option is available and how to enroll.
How do I read my water meter?
Your meter shows your cumulative water usage in hundred-cubic-foot units. The number on the meter is what TVWD uses to calculate your bill. Your bill shows both your current meter reading and your previous reading; the difference is your usage for that billing period. TVWD's website has a guide with photos showing how to locate and read your specific meter type.
What if I'm moving and need to close my account?
Contact TVWD at least a few days before you move to request a final meter reading and account closure. The district will calculate charges through your move-out date. You'll receive a final bill for any remaining balance, or a refund if you've overpaid. Provide a forwarding address so the final bill reaches you.