Paying your water bill on time is important to avoid late fees, service disruption, and other penalties. But in today’s busy world, it can be easy to miss a payment deadline. Thankfully, most water utilities offer numerous convenient payment options making it easy to pay your bill near home or on the go.
Online Bill Pay
The most convenient way to pay your water bill is online through your utility’s website. Most major water companies like Portland Water Bureau and California Water Service (Cal Water) allow you to set up an online account. Once registered, you can view your balance, see past bills, and make secure credit card or bank account payments 24/7.
Online bill pay allows you to go paperless, set up autopay, pay by text, and manage your account fully online. For example, Portland’s online system lets you start, stop, or transfer service in addition to making one-time or recurring payments. With today’s technology, paying online is the easiest way to stay on top of your water bill.
Pay by Phone
If you prefer to speak to a live representative most water utilities have a toll-free number you can call to pay by phone. Automated systems are available 24/7 while customer service agents typically have more limited hours such as 8 AM to 5 PM on weekdays.
To pay by phone, call your water company’s billing department number and follow the prompts to enter your account number, confirm your balance, and make a payment by credit/debit card or electronic check. Companies like Portland Water Bureau (503-823-7770) and Cal Water (888-237-1333) have dedicated payment lines that route your call directly to an automated system or billing agent who can take your payment over the phone quickly
Mail-In Payment
While slower and less instant than electronic payments, you can always mail in a physical check or money order using your water company’s pre-printed payment envelope or remittance address. This option is a good backup if you prefer not to provide bank account information over the phone or internet.
Most water utilities list their mailing address on the bill itself. If not, you can find it on their website or by calling customer service. For the U.S. Postal Service delivery time, allow 3-4 business days for your mailed payment to reach the company and be processed. Be sure to mail at least a week before your due date to avoid late fees.
Authorized Payment Locations
Many water providers enable in-person payments at authorized retail locations in your community. For example, Portland Water Bureau lets customers pay bills at Walmart through the Walmart Bill Pay service. Cal Water has over 100 payment locations across California including Walmart, Albertsons, Save Mart, CVS, 7-Eleven, Western Union, and more.
Check your water company’s website for the most up-to-date list of authorized walk-in payment sites near you. Different businesses may have different caps on how much you can pay on your water bill in person, so confirm the location’s limit before visiting. This payment method adds convenience for on-the-go customers who want to pay in cash.
Drop Boxes
If your local water company office has a secure drop box location, you can hand deliver your payment there as a convenient in-person option. Utility company offices often have outdoor, well-lit drop boxes available 24/7 for customers to drop off check or money order payments. This allows you to pay in person without having to go inside or wait in a customer service line.
As with mailed payments, allow a few business days for your payment to be collected from the drop box and processed by your water provider. Look for directions to the nearest drop box location on your water company’s contact page or bill payment page.
Financial Assistance Programs
If you are having trouble paying your water bill on time, most utilities offer financial assistance programs or payment plans. For example, Portland Water Bureau’s H2O Help Program offers up to $960 per year in bill discounts for qualifying low-income households.
Contact your water provider’s customer service team to ask about bill discount programs, flexible payment plans, or crisis bill assistance you may be eligible for. For instance, Cal Water customers can apply for their Customer Assistance Program (CAP) to get help gaining access to essential water services.
Locate Nearby Payment Sites
With online payments, pay by phone, mail-in, drop boxes, and in-person locations, paying your water bill near home is easier than ever. Sign up for paperless billing and automatic payments to simplify the process even further. Partner with your water provider and use their available assistance programs if you face financial hardship. With these tips, you can take control of your utility payments.
Automatic Payment Service (APS)
APS automatically pays your water bill by deducting the amount owed from your checking or savings account each month. Contact your local Customer Center for more information about APS or print an Application Form.
To pay your Cal Water bill over the phone using your bank account or Visa (credit or debit), MasterCard (credit or debit), or Discover card, call (888) 598-9824 (toll-free).
You can pay in person by dropping payments off in a secure Cal Water office drop box or at a Western Union pay station in your community (there is normally a $1 service charge to pay through Western Union, but this fee has been temporarily suspended). The address of your Cal Water office and the location of pay stations (if available) can be found on the District Information page.
Where Can I Pay My Water Bill? – CountyOffice.org
FAQ
How do I pay my water bill in California?
You can pay your Cal Water bill over the phone by calling (888) 598-9824 (toll-free). You can use a bank account, a Visa (credit or debit), MasterCard (credit or debit), or Discover card.
Where can I pay my American water bill?
You can pay your bill in person at hundreds of stores in the areas we serve because we have deals with them. These locations include supermarkets, drug stores and other local merchants.
How do I get help paying my water bill in California?
Low-income households that qualify for LIHWAP can get one-time money to pay their water or sewer bills, whether they are due now or have been late, and keep their water on. TODAY: Go to csd.org to see if you can get help paying your water or sewer bill, whether it’s due today or last month. ca. gov/waterbill to learn more.
Where do I get my Clean Water Services Bill?
If you live in certain areas, your Clean Water Services bill may come from the city, Tualatin Valley Water District, or yourself directly from CWS. Learn more about your bill and find a way to pay that best fits your needs here.
How do I pay my city of Portland Water Bill?
For your convenience you may pay your bill online or pay by phone dialing 503-823-7770 and press 1. Pay and manage your options on your City of Portland sewer, stormwater, and water bill. If you can’t pay your full bill, contact us. Get more time to pay your bill? Make a one-time payment (you don’t have to log in) Stop, start, or move your service.
When do payments post to my sewer/stormwater/water account?
Payments post to your sewer/stormwater/water account on the day you make them. Call Customer Service at before you make a payment or if you need to make a payment quickly.
How do I pay my tvwd Bill?
Payment Processing Center Want to pay in person? Use one of TVWD’s convenient drop-off locations. If you have questions or require assistance, please contact Customer Service at 503. 681. 4400 Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. You can pay your bill online, over the phone, by pay station, or mail.
How do I combine my sewer/stormwater/water accounts?
Please call Customer Service at or email us at PWBCustomerService@portlandoregon to link all of your sewer, stormwater, and water accounts to a single email address and password. gov. Business hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a. m. to 5 p. m. , except on holidays. I can’t sign in to the view/pay bill website with my existing portlandoregon. gov account.
