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Protect your pipes this winter. It could help lower your sewer charges year-round.
Winter affects your bill year-round.
In general, residential customers don't have a meter to measure how much they put into the sewer system. Instead, we base your sewer charge on how much water you use during the winter months, since most of your water use is indoors. This is called your winter average. Throughout the year, we use your winter average or your actual water use—whichever is lowest—to calculate your sewer charge.
If your house has a leak or broken pipe that wastes water during the winter, your winter average could increase. And a higher winter average could mean higher sewer charges all year!
How do I prevent and fix leaks?
It's always a good idea to check your home for leaks, but it's extra important to find and fix leaks before your winter average period. Most leaks happen in toilets, but they can happen in other places. Learn how to find and fix leaks.
Protecting your pipes can make them less likely to break during winter's cold temperatures. Outdoors, caulk around where pipes enter the home and turn off water to hose bibs or cover bibs with insulation. Inside, insulate pipes in unheated areas. When temperatures drop below freezing, open cupboard doors in the kitchen and bathrooms and, for added safety, let a slight drip of water run from faucets. Learn how to prepare your plumbing for winter weather.
How do I find my winter average?
Most single-family residential homes have their water meter read quarterly (every three months), which means the read for their winter average happens sometime between February 1 and April 30 each year. The exact timing depends on the account's billing cycle.
To find your winter average:
- Look at your bill and find the water use graph.
- Find the bar on the graph that's labeled FEB, MAR, or APR.
- This bar shows your water use during your winter average period. Look at the "Usage in CCF" numbers on the left of the graph to determine your winter average water use.
Here are some examples.
This customer's winter meter read was in February. The February bar on the graph shows water use of 3 ccf. This is the customer's winter average water use. The sewer volume charges for their next three quarterly meter reads (May, August, and November) will be based on this winter use.
This customer's winter meter read was in April. The April bar on the graph shows water use of 8 ccf. This is the customer's winter average water use. The sewer volume charges for their next three quarterly meter reads (July, October, and January) will be based on this winter use.
Questions? Visit Sewer and Stormwater Rates and Charges or call us at 503-823-7770.
Reducing flood risk for all Portlanders
Anyone in Portland could be affected by flooding, regardless of where they live or work. Flooding can damage property and threaten lives.
Environmental Services has worked for decades to address flood risks across Portland. Reconnecting and restoring the city's floodplains provides a natural defense against heavy rains. Green infrastructure, like rain gardens, captures stormwater so more of it can soak safely into the ground. We also invest in pipes and pumps to move stormwater away from homes and businesses. These investments are already working to reduce flooding throughout Portland.
Our work goes hand in hand with the work of the Urban Flood Safety and Water Quality District (UFSWQD) to strengthen Portland's resilience to flooding. The UFSWQD operates flood management systems along the Columbia Slough and the lower Columbia River. Together, our investments to operate, maintain, and improve the city's flood safety system protect people and property across Portland.
Do you live or work in a floodplain?
Find out if your home or business is in a floodplain. Search your address on portlandmaps.com. Then, go to Public Safety and look for FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area.
If you do live or work in a floodplain:
- Make an emergency plan with your family.
- Sign up for emergency notifications at publicalerts.org.
- Protect your property with flood insurance. Call your agent or visit floodsmart.gov for more information.
- Get a permit before adding or moving soil. Call 503-823-7300 before building in a floodplain.
Find more information on how to prepare.
Keep your pipes fat free
Follow these tips when cleaning up dishes and cooking spaces:
- Scrape plates into the compost or garbage before rinsing or washing.
- Wipe oil or grease from cooled pans, dishes, or countertops with a paper towel. Place the towel in the garbage.
- Use rubber scrapers to remove grease from pots and pans before washing.
- Pour used and cooled cooking oil into a plastic bag or container with lid. Seal tightly and place it in the garbage.
- Catch crumbs and food scraps with sink strainers. Empty strainers into the compost or garbage.
- Place peelings and food scraps in the compost or garbage instead of using your sink's garbage disposal.
It's more than bacon grease
Fats, oils, and grease from cooking include things like:
- Oils, dressings, and mayonnaise
- Gravies and sauces
- Butter, milk, and other dairy products
If you're struggling to pay your bill, help is available.
Learn about financial assistance:
- 503-823-7770
- pwbcustomerservice@portlandoregon.gov
- portland.gov/water/financialassistance
- portland.gov/utilitybill
The City of Portland is committed to providing meaningful access. To request translation, interpretation, modifications, accommodations, or other auxiliary aids or services, or to file a complaint of discrimination, contact 503-823-7770, Relay: 711, or pwbcustomerservice@portlandoregon.gov.
Traducción e Interpretación | Biên Dịch và Thông Dịch | 口笔译服务 | अनुवादन तथा व्याख्या | Устный и письменный перевод | Turjumaad iyo Fasiraad | Письмовий і усний переклад | Traducere și interpretariat | Chiaku me Awewen Kapas
Translation and Interpretation: 503-823-7770 | portland.gov/water/access