A Guide to Paying Your Tualatin Valley Water Bill

Having access to clean, reliable water is essential for our daily lives The Tualatin Valley Water District (TVWD) provides this critical service to over 200,000 residents in the greater Portland metropolitan area. As a customer, it’s your responsibility to pay your water bill on time each month. TVWD offers various convenient payment options to choose from. This article will provide a complete guide to paying your Tualatin Valley water bill

Overview of TVWD

First, a quick overview of TVWD. As the largest water provider in Oregon, the district serves parts of Washington, Clackamas, Multnomah, and Yamhill counties. Their service area covers over 200 square miles. TVWD is a special district governed by an elected board of commissioners. They operate as a non-profit, putting revenue back into infrastructure and operations.

TVWD utilizes a mix of groundwater wells and surface water from the Willamette River. Advanced treatment and distribution systems deliver safe clean water to your home 24/7. Pressurized water feeds into around 426 miles of pipes connecting over 93,000 customer accounts.

Understanding Your Water Bill

Now, let’s discuss the basics of water bills from TVWD. Bills are issued monthly and include charges for water usage, base rates, and other fees. Usage is measured in hundreds of cubic feet (CCF) based on your meter reading. Rates are set annually by TVWD.

Your bill will show current charges, previous balance, payments received, account balance, and due date. The due date is typically 20-25 days after the bill generation date. If unpaid after the due date, late fees will apply.

Key elements on your monthly bill:

• Account number
• Service address
• Meter read dates
• Current water usage and charges
• Base fee
• Other charges (stormwater, sewer, etc.)
• Account balance and due date

Review your bill carefully each month to understand the charges prior to making a payment. Contact TVWD customer service if you have any questions.

Ways to Pay Your Water Bill

TVWD offers multiple options for paying your water bill conveniently online, by phone, mail or in person:

• Online – Pay by e-check or credit/debit card through the online customer portal. Create an account to access billing history and manage payments.

• Automatic Payments – Set up recurring payments from your bank account through the online portal. Payments are made automatically each month on your due date.

• Phone – Call the TVWD automated payment line anytime at 503-848-3000. Follow prompts to pay with credit/debit card or checking account.

• Mail – Send a check or money order to TVWD along with your payment stub. Allow 5-7 days for processing.

• In Person – Visit the TVWD office in Beaverton to pay by cash, check or money order. Extended hours on due date.

• Third-Party Bill Pay – Use your bank or credit union’s online bill pay feature. TVWD will receive an electronic or mailed payment on your behalf.

Choose the most convenient option for you. One-time payments can be made anytime before the due date. Auto-pay and mail-in checks help avoid late fees.

Payment Tips and Additional Fees

Keep these tips in mind to avoid additional fees and issues when paying your Tualatin Valley water bill:

• Pay the full balance due each month to avoid late fees. Partial payments may incur penalties.

• If mailing payment, allow 5-7 days for processing before the due date.

• A late fee of $10 or 1.5% applies if payment is received after the due date.

• A $35 returned payment fee is charged for bounced checks or declined credit cards.

• Accounts unpaid after 25 days are subject to shut off and additional fees.

• Payment arrangements can be made for qualified hardships. Additional fees/deposits may apply.

• Disputed charges must be addressed before the due date to avoid penalties.

Paying on time is essential. Before the due date, pay at least the minimum amount due to avoid late penalties. Reach out to TVWD customer service if you anticipate difficulty with payment.

Financial Assistance Programs

TVWD offers two programs to help qualified residential customers struggling to pay their water bill:

• Bill Discount Program – Offers a 60% discount on water usage charges for low-income seniors and permanently disabled customers.

• Crisis Voucher Program – Provides a one-time annual credit of up to $150 for customers facing financial hardships.

Contact TVWD for details and enrollment instructions if you need assistance paying your water bill. Discounts and aid are available for those who qualify.

Moving or Closing Your Account

When moving out of a TVWD serviced property, you must close your account to stop service and billing.

To close an account, you must:

• Provide at least 5 days advance notice
• Provide a forwarding address
• Pay any outstanding balance
• Schedule a final meter read

Without proper notification, you may be billed for continued service at the property after moving out. Make sure to officially close your account.

Avoid Service Interruptions

If your water bill remains unpaid for 25+ days, your service may be disconnected. This can negatively impact both the property and your credit. Don’t let it get to this point!

Avoid service interruptions by:

• Paying on time each month
• Setting up automatic bill pay
• Enrolling in financial assistance programs if eligible
• Calling TVWD immediately if you anticipate issues paying

Keeping your account in good standing ensures water service continues uninterrupted. Pay promptly or seek help if you are struggling financially.

Customer Service and Support

TVWD provides top-notch customer service support:

• Call 503-848-3000 Monday-Friday from 8am-6pm for billing questions or to make a payment.

• Email [email protected] for non-urgent inquiries.

• Visit the Beaverton office Monday-Thursday from 8am-5pm for in-person support.

• After hours? Use the online customer portal.

Contact TVWD promptly if you see any errors on your bill or have issues making a payment on time. Their customer service team is ready to assist customers.

Access to clean water is essential for health, hygiene and quality of life. Paying your monthly water bill ensures uninterrupted service while supporting system operations. TVWD offers flexible payment options and financial assistance programs to meet customer needs. Use this guide to better understand your water charges and pay your Tualatin Valley water bill seamlessly and on time. Reach out to customer service with any questions – they are available to help!