Utilities
Water, Stormwater & Sewer
Learn how to read your combined sewer, stormwater, and water utility bill so you can track and better manage use. Parts of the utility bill explained
Free Water Efficiency Resources:
On-site water efficiency surveys and investigation of unexplained increases in water consumption
Temporary 24-hour water use monitoring with detailed analysis and review of historical water use
Toilet rebates, outdoor hardware rebates, ice machines rebates and custom incentives for water efficiency improvements
Free water efficiency devices
Water efficiency assistance over the phone at 503-823-4527 and through email at conserve@portlandoregon.gov
Bill Payment and Account Questions
Pay your bill and manage your billing options online, including autopay and paperless billing. You can also pay using our automated phone system, available at all times. Dial 503-823-7770 and select option 1.
If you can’t pay your full bill, contact us by phone or email. We offer small, interest-free payment plans. Let us help you keep your account current or get your past-due bill on the right track.
Call customer service at 503-823-7770. Service representatives are available to answer your questions about your account from 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday.
Email customer service at PWBCustomerService@portlandoregon.gov. Ask a question about your account and make requests by email.
Opening or closing your commercial account? Learn more at our stop, start, or transfer service page.
Rate and Charge Information
Water charges: To learn more about the water charges on your bill, visit the water rates and charges page.
Sewer and stormwater charges: Sanitary sewer charges are based on water consumption, and stormwater charges are based on your property’s developed area. To learn more about your bill’s sewer and stormwater charges, go to the sanitary sewer and stormwater rates page.
Extra-strength charges: Some businesses, like food service establishments, pay extra-strength charges if their wastewater contains higher waste levels. These appear as Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Total Suspended Solids (TSS) charges. Go to the extra-strength charges for food service establishments web page to learn more about your bill’s extra-strength charges.
Sewer discharge practices related to some businesses: Alternative discharge control mechanisms (ADCMs): Some businesses, such as dental practices, craft fermented beverage manufacturers, and mobile washing services, must follow specific wastewater discharge controls. Instead of traditional industrial discharge permits, ADCMs require businesses to implement best management practices and submit annual certifications. To learn more about ADCMs, go to the alternative discharge control mechanisms page.
Helpful Water, Sewer and Stormwater Tips
Customers may qualify for bill adjustments when property-side leaks impact utility bills. Learn more about requesting a bill adjustment due to a water leak.
Does the rain that falls on your property safely soak into the ground instead of going into the city’s sewer and stormwater system? You could receive a discount on the stormwater portion of your City of Portland water, sewer, and stormwater bill. Learn more at our Clean River Rewards page.
Consider putting a lock on your outdoor faucets to prevent others from using them, which will increase your bill.
What gets flushed matters. Sewer backups into your business are not only gross—they can also be a health hazard and expensive to clean up. The only three things you can safely flush down the toilet into the sewer system are the three P’s: pee, poop, and (toilet) paper. Learn more about what you can (and can’t) flush. Consider putting a lock on your outdoor faucets to prevent others from using it, which will increase your water bill.
Energy
Learn about ways to reduce your energy costs and available incentives through Energy Trust of Oregon.
Garbage, Recycling and Composting Responsibilities
The City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS) oversees garbage, recycling and composting in the city and provides waste service-related resources and education. Here are a few things to know:
Unlike garbage collection at your home, businesses (in commercial areas) can choose their garbage and recycling company from this list of approved waste collection service companies. Learn more here.
All permitted commercial garbage and recycling companies are required to offer recycling and food scraps collection. Learn more here.
If you are setting up a new service, you can negotiate service level, frequency and cost. Rates are not set by the City of Portland.
If you have questions specifically about your services, contact your garbage and recycling company directly.
Learn more about City of Portland regulations for businesses related to recycling, single-use bags, Styrofoam, single-use plastics, and proper waste container storage. Learn more here.
The City of Portland now requires certain food waste producers to compost. Find out if your business is required to compost. Learn how to set up compost service.
Rent your space? If your property manager provides garbage service, they are also required to provide recycling service for paper, metal, and plastic bottles and tubs, as well as a separate container for glass. Learn more here.
Get free recycling signs and tips to help employees recycle more and recycle right.
Garbage for Home-Based Businesses
If you are operating a home-based business, you will most likely use residential waste hauling services.
Review rates for available service sizes and extra bag costs.
Learn about large household waste disposal options.
Additional Resources
Business Recycling Guide: Learn how to set up or improve recycling at your business. Request free posters and stickers to label containers and educate staff about what goes in the bin. Request a presentation for your employees.
Reduce Food Waste & Save Money: City staff can help you conduct a waste assessment to understand the quantities and types of food ending up in your garbage, so you can trim your waste and trim your costs.
Questions? Contact the Garbage and Recycling hotline at wasteinfo@portlandoregon.gov or 503-823-7202.
