Water Bureau Is Ready For A Surge In Calls For Financial Assistance - 11/06/25
Our contact center is seeing an uptick in requests for financial assistance with sewer, stormwater, and water bills. We want Portlanders to know that as their financial circumstances change, they may become eligible for one of the many assistance programs we have for our customers.
“We know many Portlanders have been struggling for months (or years) with rising costs, job loss, and other financial pressures--and the federal shutdown is making it even harder,” said Portland Water Bureau Interim Director Quisha Light. “If you're worried about your ability to pay your bill, please call us. We’re doing everything we can to make sure our customers can continue to access clean, safe drinking water.”
Here’s how we can help:
- Income-based financial assistance is available at higher income thresholds than many realize. For example, a household of four is eligible for bill assistance up to gross income of $6,205 per month.
- Sometimes the unexpected happens. For customers facing a temporary hardship—such as a recent furlough, job loss, or medical emergency—our crisis vouchers can offset up to $500 of their sewer, stormwater, and water bills.
- Regardless of income, any customer can request a payment arrangement to make bill payment more manageable with features like extended due dates or breaking bills into multiple payments. We also offer the option to receive statements monthly instead of quarterly.
- And if you receive bill discounts from other utilities, you may qualify for reduced payments from Portland Water.
We encourage Portlanders to share this information with anyone in their communities who might need it.
Journalists should reach out to Public Information Officer Brandon Zero at the contact information below to interview the Water Bureau’s Financial Assistance Program Manager Kenny Scott for more information. See our media kit here.
If you have questions about your situation and how we can help, reach out to our customer service team at PWBCustomerService@portlandoregon.gov or 503-823-7770.
About the Portland Water Bureau
The Portland Water Bureau serves water to almost a million people in the Portland area. Portland’s water system includes two great water sources, 54 tanks and reservoirs, and 2,250 miles of pipe. With 600 employees working on everything from water treatment to customer service, the Water Bureau is committed to serving excellent water every minute of every day.
About the Public Works Service Area
The Public Works Service Area keeps Portland running by managing the city’s water, sewer, stormwater, parks and transportation systems. It includes the Bureau of Environmental Services, the Portland Bureau of Transportation, Portland Parks & Recreation, and the Portland Water Bureau. Public Works ensures reliable infrastructure, invests in sustainability, and supports essential services that enhance daily life for Portlanders.
Access and accommodations
The City of Portland ensures meaningful access to City programs, services, and activities to comply with Civil Rights Title VI and ADA Title II laws and reasonably provides: translation, interpretation, modifications, accommodations, alternative formats, auxiliary aids and services. To request these services, or to file a complaint of discrimination, contact 503-823-4000 (311), Relay Service & TTY: 711, or 503-823-8064. Visit Portland Water Bureau’s Disability and Language Access page for more information.
503-823-4000 Translation and Interpretation
Traducción e Interpretación | Biên Dịch và Thông Dịch | अनुवादन तथा व्याख्या
口笔译服务 | Устный и письменный перевод | Turjumaad iyo Fasiraad
Письмовий і усний переклад | Traducere și interpretariat | Chiaku me Awewen Kapas