Your Clean Water Services bill is for sewer and surface water management. Some ratepayers may be billed each month, and others may be billed every other month.
The sewer charge has two parts. The base rate is $35.31 a month (or $72.74 every two months) per dwelling unit. Single family homes are generally considered one dwelling unit. The usage charge is based on the average amount of water used per month from November to April. Usage charges for every ratepayer are reviewed and updated annually. Winter water consumption is a good indicator of the wastewater your household produces and discharges into the sewer system for treatment. The usage rate per CCF is $2.41*. New customers will be billed $18.72 a month (or $38.56 every two months, based on our service area average of 8 CCF* per month or 16 CCF* per two months) and these rates.
The surface water management (SWM) fee is $10.97 a month (or $22.60 every two months) per service unit. Single family homes are generally counted as one service unit, and commercial properties are billed based on a measurement of impervious surface area.
*CCF is an abbreviation for “100 cubic feet.” CCF is used as a measurement of water usage and to calculate your bill. There are 748 gallons in one CCF.
Your Clean Water Services bill may be separate or combined with charges from your city or your drinking water provider. While base charges are the same for all ratepayers, bills may look different depending on where you live. Below you’ll find examples of what most bills look like in our service area. Some ratepayers in small pockets of the community may have bills that look different from the examples provided, due to unique jurisdictional circumstances. Anyone with questions about their CWS bill is encouraged to contact Customer Service at 503.681.4400 Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm.
Hey there, neighbor! If ya ever felt like utility bills are a sneaky lil’ monster creepin’ up on ya every month, trust me, I’ve been there. Nothin’ stings worse than realizin’ you forgot to pay for somethin’ as basic as water services, and now you’re stuck with a late fee or a grumpy notice. But don’t sweat it—we’re gonna tackle one specific beast today: the Clean Water Services bill pay process. Whether you’re in Washington County, Oregon, or just curious, I’m here to walk ya through how to pay that bill without breakin’ a sweat, why it matters, and how to keep your sanity intact while dealin’ with these pesky payments.
We’ve all got better things to do than stress over bills, right? So, let’s dive straight into the nitty-gritty of gettin’ your Clean Water Services bill sorted, quick and easy Stick with me, and by the end, you’ll be a bill-payin’ wizard!
What Is Clean Water Services, Anyway?
Before we get to the “how,” let’s clear up the “what.” Clean Water Services is the outfit that keeps things flowin’—literally—for over 600,000 folks in the urban parts of Washington County, Oregon. They handle sewer and stormwater stuff, makin’ sure our neighborhoods don’t turn into swampy messes when it rains cats and dogs. Think of ‘em as the unsung heroes keepin’ our water clean and our streets flood-free. That bill you’re payin’? It funds their mission to keep our environment spick-and-span, free from nasty pollution.
Now, dependin’ on where ya live in the county, your bill might come directly from Clean Water Services, bundled with Tualatin Valley Water District, or even through your local city No matter how it shows up, payin’ it on time is key to avoidin’ any hiccups So, let’s break down the ways you can settle up with ‘em, no fuss, no muss.
How to Pay Your Clean Water Services Bill: Step-by-Step
I’m all about keepin’ things simple, so here’s the lowdown on every way you can pay your Clean Water Services bill. Pick the one that fits your vibe—whether you’re a tech-savvy clicker or an old-school check-writer.
1. Pay Online: The Fastest Way to Get It Done
Let’s be real—most of us are glued to our phones or laptops anyway, so payin’ online is often the easiest. Clean Water Services has a shiny customer portal where you can handle everything with a few clicks. Here’s how:
- Head over to their official website and find the “Pay Your Bill Online” option.
- If it’s your first time, ya gotta create a new login for the portal. Just use your account number (skip the dash) and set it up.
- Once you’re in, choose between a one-time payment or settin’ up automatic payments if you wanna “set it and forget it.”
- Punch in your payment details—credit card, debit card, or e-check—and boom, you’re done!
This is my go-to method ‘cause I ain’t got time to mess around with envelopes or trips to drop-off spots. Plus, you get a confirmation right away, so no stressin’ over whether it went through.
2. Pay Over the Phone: For When You’re On the Go
Not everyone’s comfy with online stuff, and that’s cool. If you’d rather just call and get it over with Clean Water Services has ya covered. Here’s the deal
- Grab your phone and dial 844-331-8344.
- Have your account number handy—they’ll ask for it.
- You can pay with Visa, MasterCard, Discover, a debit card, or even an e-check.
- Follow the prompts, and you’re good to go.
I’ve used this when I’m rushin’ around and can’t sit at a computer. It’s quick, though sometimes you gotta wait on hold if it’s a busy day. Still, it beats mailin’ a check if you’re cuttin’ it close to the due date.
3. Pay by Mail: Old-School but Reliable
If you’re the type who likes writin’ checks and droppin’ stuff in the mailbox, this one’s for you. Here’s what to do:
- Write out your check or money order, makin’ sure to include your account number on it.
- Send it to the Payment Processing Center, PO Box 4780, Portland, OR 97208-4780.
- Make sure ya mail it early—snail mail can take a few days, and late payments ain’t fun.
I don’t usually go this route ‘cause I’m paranoid about stuff gettin’ lost in the mail, but hey, if it’s your jam, go for it! Some folks even use their bank or credit union’s bill payment service to handle this automatically—just double-check the address.
4. Pay in Person: Drop It Off Like a Boss
Wanna pay face-to-face (or at least drop-off style)? You can swing by one of the convenient drop-off locations tied to Tualatin Valley Water District. Check the Clean Water Services site for the nearest spot to ya. Bring your bill stub and payment, pop it in the box, and you’re golden.
This works if you’re out and about in Washington County and don’t trust the mail or online systems. I’ve done this once or twice when I needed to feel like I “did somethin’” in person. Just don’t expect a chatty cashier—it’s usually just a drop box.
5. Need Help? Call Customer Service
If you’re stuck, confused, or just wanna double-check somethin’, don’t hesitate to ring up Clean Water Services’ customer service team. They’re available Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm, at 503.681.4400. I’ve called ‘em before when I couldn’t figure out my bill statement, and they were super helpful, no attitude or nothin’.
Here’s a quick table to sum up your payment options for Clean Water Services:
| Method | How to Do It | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Online | Via customer portal on their website | Tech-savvy folks, quick payments |
| Phone | Call 844-331-8344 with card or e-check | On-the-go, last-minute payers |
| Send check to PO Box 4780, Portland, OR 97208-4780 | Traditionalists, bank services | |
| In-Person | Drop off at Tualatin Valley Water District locations | Hands-on, local residents |
No matter which way ya choose, the key is to pay on time. Late fees are a real buzzkill, and nobody wants their services messed with over a missed deadline.
Why Payin’ Your Clean Water Services Bill Matters More Than Ya Think
Alright, so we’ve got the “how” down pat, but let’s chat about the “why.” Sure, payin’ bills keeps the lights on (or in this case, the water flowin’), but there’s a bigger picture here. Clean Water Services ain’t just collectin’ cash for kicks—they’re keepin’ our community safe and, well, clean.
Think about it: every time a storm rolls through, all that rainwater’s gotta go somewhere. Without proper stormwater management, we’d be wadin’ through flooded streets or dealin’ with nasty runoff pollutin’ our rivers. Clean Water Services handles that, makin’ sure the water stays free of junk and our neighborhoods don’t turn into a mess. Same goes for sewer services—nobody wants backups or spills, trust me.
When ya pay your bill, you’re chipin’ in to keep over 600,000 of us in Washington County livin’ in a place that’s safe and healthy. It’s like investin’ in your own backyard—except it’s a heckuva lotta bigger than just your yard. Plus, keepin’ up with payments means no disruptions or extra fees, which is a win for your wallet and your peace of mind.
Tips to Stay On Top of Your Clean Water Services Bill (And Any Utility Bill, Really)
Now that we’ve nailed the payment process, lemme share some hard-earned tips to make bill-payin’ less of a headache. I’ve messed up enough times to know what works and what don’t, so take it from me—these lil’ tricks can save ya some grief.
- Set Up Auto-Pay If You Can: I can’t stress this enough. If you’re forgetful like me, settin’ up automatic payments through the Clean Water Services online portal is a lifesaver. No more “oh crap, I forgot” moments. Just make sure your bank account’s got the funds, or you’ll be in a pickle.
- Mark Your Calendar (Or Phone): If auto-pay ain’t your thing, set a reminder on your phone or stick a note on the fridge. I’ve got a cheesy lil’ alarm labeled “Bill Day” that goes off a few days before my due date. It’s annoyin’ but effective.
- Keep Your Account Number Handy: Whether you’re payin’ online or over the phone, havin’ that number ready speeds things up. I keep mine saved in my phone notes so I ain’t diggin’ through papers like a madman.
- Check Your Bill for Errors: Once in a blue moon, there’s a weird charge or mistake on the statement. Take a quick peek before payin’—I caught a double charge once and got it fixed with a call to customer service.
- Budget for It Monthly: Utility bills like this one ain’t goin’ away, so set aside a bit each month. I’ve started tossin’ a small chunk of my paycheck into a “bills” savings pot, so I’m not scramblin’ when it’s due.
- Go Paperless If Ya Can: Optin’ for e-bills through the portal cuts down on clutter and makes sure you don’t miss a statement in the mail. Plus, it’s better for the planet, which fits right in with Clean Water Services’ whole deal.
These ain’t rocket science, but they’ve helped me stop dreadin’ bill season. Try ‘em out, and tweak ‘em to fit your life.
The Bigger Picture: Clean Water Equals a Better Life
Let’s zoom out for a sec. Payin’ your Clean Water Services bill ain’t just about avoidin’ late fees—it’s about supportin’ somethin’ that makes our corner of Oregon a better place to live. Clean water ain’t just nice to have; it’s everything. It’s what keeps our kids safe when they’re splashin’ in puddles after a storm, what keeps our rivers fish-friendly, and what stops our streets from turnin’ into disaster zones.
I’ve lived in places where water management was a joke, and let me tell ya, it’s no fun dealin’ with constant floods or funky smells from poor sewer systems. Here in Washington County, we’ve got it good thanks to Clean Water Services, and keepin’ up with our bills is how we keep it that way. It’s a team effort, ya know?
Plus, there’s a ripple effect (see what I did there?). Clean water systems mean healthier communities, better property values, and even a boost to local wildlife. Every payment ya make is a lil’ pat on the back to the folks workin’ hard to keep things pure and flowin’ smooth.
Common Hiccups with Bill Pay (And How to Dodge ‘Em)
Even with the best plans, stuff goes sideways sometimes. Here’s a few bumps I’ve hit with utility bills like Clean Water Services, and how to steer clear of ‘em.
- Forgotten Passwords for Online Portal: Ugh, this gets me every time. If ya can’t log into the payment portal, don’t panic—just hit the “forgot password” link or call customer service at 503.681.4400. Write down your new login somewhere safe (not on a sticky note on your monitor, like I did once).
- Payment Didn’t Go Through: Whether it’s a declined card or a glitch, it happens. Check your bank account or card status right after payin’ to confirm. If somethin’s off, call the payment line ASAP to sort it.
- Mail Got Lost: If you’re mailin’ a check and it don’t show up, you’re still on the hook for the bill. Track it if possible, or switch to online payments for peace of mind. I learned this the hard way after a check vanished into thin air.
- Confusin’ Bill Statements: If ya don’t get what you’re bein’ charged for, don’t just shrug and pay—call and ask. I’ve had weird fees pop up that turned out to be nothin’ but a mix-up.
Bein’ proactive is the name of the game. Don’t wait ‘til you’re knee-deep in late fees to fix a problem—nip it in the bud.
A Lil’ Rant: Why Can’t Bills Just Be Easier?
Can I just vent for a hot minute? Why the heck are bills so dang complicated sometimes? I mean, I get that Clean Water Services gotta charge us for keepin’ things tidy, but between figurin’ out where the bill comes from, how to pay it, and makin’ sure it don’t slip through the cracks, it feels like a part-time job. I’ve spent way too many evenings stressin’ over whether I paid on time or if I’m gonna get hit with a fee outta nowhere.
That’s why I’m all about sharin’ these tips and tricks with ya. If I can save even one person from the headache I’ve had, it’s worth it. And honestly, Clean Water Services does make it pretty straightforward compared to some other utilities I’ve dealt with—they’ve got multiple ways to pay and a decent customer service line. Still, I dream of a day when bills just magically handle themselves. Until then, we’re in this together!
Let’s Wrap This Up: Pay Smart, Live Easy
So, there ya have it—a full-on guide to masterin’ your Clean Water Services bill pay without losin’ your cool. We’ve covered the ins and outs of payin’ online, over the phone, by mail, or in person, plus why it’s so darn important to keep up with these payments. We’ve also tossed in some handy tips to stay ahead of the game and a lil’ peek at how your money helps keep Washington County a great place to call home.
Don’t let bills be the boss of ya—take charge! Whether you’re settin’ up auto-pay on the Clean Water Services portal or droppin’ a check in the mail, do it today before it slips your mind. And if you’re ever stuck, their customer service crew is just a call away at 503.681.4400. Let’s keep our water clean and our stress levels low, alright?
Got any bill-pay horror stories or tips of your own? Drop ‘em in the comments—I’d love to hear how ya handle this stuff. Until next time, stay on top of those payments and keep livin’ the good life in our awesome community!

What does my CWS bill include?
Sewer charges pay for wastewater pipes, maintenance and construction, and operation of the wastewater treatment plants as well as for the costs associated with the treatment. The water treatment process can be costly. Learn more about how CWS cleans your wastewater.
Clean Water Services and partner city crews are also responsible for the public stormwater system. The SWM Program pays for the following:
- Maintenance and construction of the public stormwater system including open ditches, pipes, stormwater detention areas, and water quality facilities.
- Street sweeping for curbed public streets.
- Catch basin cleaning.
- 24-hour emergency flood response and repair.
- Water quality monitoring in the Tualatin River and its tributaries.
- Water quality investigation and spill response.
- Enforcement of erosion control and water quality facility requirements.
- Enforcement of buffer zones between new development and creeks and wetlands.
- Coordinated planning and design of regional water quality and flood management projects.
- Long-term watershed planning.
- Public outreach and partnerships for pollution prevention and education.
Where does my payment go?
The monthly rate for the average customer starting July 1, 2025, is $66.95 (sewer base fee of $35.31, sewer usage fee of $18.72, and a SWM fee of $10.97, all per month).
| $32.13 (48%) | Operating costs: including staff, equipment, and resources to operate and maintain the wastewater and stormwater infrastructure. This includes infrastructure at our facilities, and the pipes, pump stations, etc., throughout our service district. |
| $30.80 (46%) | Capital program: including construction of new wastewater and stormwater infrastructure, and major improvement projects for wastewater and stormwater infrastructure. |
| $4.02 (6%) | Debt: including principal and interest on sanitary bonds for current and future investments. |
| $66.95 | Total |
Clean Water Services Board of Directors – Public Meeting 06/12/25
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