Navigating Online Bill Pay for Portland’s Water Sewer, and Stormwater Services
Paying your utility bill is a necessary task that can sometimes be a headache. With so many payment options and online portals, keeping track of accounts and due dates takes effort. For Portland, Oregon residents paying city water, sewer, and stormwater bills, the array of online tools may seem bewildering. This guide will help customers understand the various websites and capabilities to best manage payments.
The City of Portland provides water, sewer, stormwater utility services to homes and businesses. They offer an online self-service portal called CSS where customers can access accounts, see bills, make payments, and manage services. To register on CSS, you need your account number and an email address. CSS allows you to:
- View real-time account balance and billing history
- Make one-time payments by credit/debit card or e-check
- Set up auto-pay and paperless billing
- Submit service change requests (start/stop/transfer)
- Check water usage trends over time
- Enroll in discount programs like Clean River Rewards
CSS also links to Xpress Bill Pay, a third-party payment processor. Xpress Bill Pay offers more ways to pay, including by phone and mail. Key features include:
- One-time payments without registration
- Pay by text and Apple/Google Pay mobile wallets
- Scheduled future payments for installment plans
- Payment history access without logging in
- Available 24/7 by phone, online, or mobile app
Having both CSS and Xpress Bill Pay offers flexibility to customers You can use CSS for self-service account management and Xpress Bill Pay for quick one-off payments by phone when away from your computer
However, the multiple portals can create confusion. Common issues include forgetting usernames and passwords or mixing up registration between the sites. Customers have vented frustrations trying to link accounts and reset passwords.
Here are some tips to avoid hassles:
- Keep usernames, passwords, and account numbers organized in a safe spot.
- When registering, carefully enter info and triple check for typos.
- Don’t set up multiple accounts on each site for the same property.
- If linking accounts, verify correct bills show in both places.
Overall, Portland’s utility bill pay options provide convenience, choice, and control. But juggling all the tools takes diligence. Set reminders for due dates, consolidate payments to reduce fees, and meticulously organize login credentials. Call customer support if you hit snags linking accounts or have login troubles. With care and planning, you can master the various online platforms and find the payment methods that suit your needs. Automated tools deliver flexibility, but effectively navigating the technology requires human discipline.
How soon will a payment made on your view/pay bill website post to my sewer/stormwater/water account?
Payments post to your sewer/stormwater/water account on the day you make them. If you need to make a payment quickly or want to make a partial payment on your account, call Customer Service at 503-823-7770 or email us at [email protected]. Our business hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on holidays. Since payment processing time can vary, we cannot make guarantees on transaction time. The City of Portland submits payments for processing at the end of each business day. If you want to make sure your payment went through, contact your bank, credit union, or financial institution.
I’m having difficulty registering an account because I’ve used my email address on another sewer/stormwater/water account.
To combine all your sewer/stormwater/water accounts to one email address and password, please call Customer Service at 503-823-7770 or email us at [email protected]. Business hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on holidays.
Utility Bill Payment Assistance Available in Hillsboro
FAQ
What is the phone number for the Portland Water Bureau bill pay?
What is the phone number for the city of Portland services charge on credit card bill?
How is the Portland water bill?
How much is the average utility bill in Portland?
How do I pay my utility bill in Portland?
The City of Portland is making it more convenient for you to pay your utility bill—without any fees. We accept MasterCard and Visa credit/debit cards. Payments are received immediately. The site provides a number of features: Automatic (recurring) online payments using your credit/debit card.
What if I can’t pay my water bill in Portland?
By providing us your mobile phone number, you agree to receive urgent texts about your payment status or water/sewer utility account. 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.
How do I make a payment in Portland?
Dial 503-823-7770and select option 1. Visit our Walk-in Center at 664 N. Tillamook St. Portland, OR 97227 for in person payments Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., except holidays. Service representatives are available 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Ask a question about your account and make requests by email.
What services does the city of Portland provide?
The City of Portland supplies water, sewer and electric utility service which are billed monthly based on actual readings taken. Refuse service is also supplied by Granger Container and is also billed on the monthly utility bill.
What does the utility billing department do?
The Utility Billing Department is responsible for generating bills for all city metered accounts and for collecting and processing all utility payments. It also sets up all new customer accounts, and disconnections for customers who are moving, not paying, or transferring to another address.
What if I can’t pay my bill?
Most accounts are active accounts. An active account is one that is open and has not received a final bill. Your payment is due 21 days after the billing date. If you’re unable to pay, contact Customer Service to make payment arrangements or request a payment plan. We will encourage you to arrange for the shortest payment time possible.