Save water this winter to save money on your sewer, stormwater, and water bill year-round

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. This is called your winter average. Throughout the year, we calculate your sewer charge using your winter average or your actual water use, whichever is lower.

During colder months, residential customers use most of their water indoors. This water flows into the sewer system. During other times of the year, many customers use more water outdoors. Water used to wash your car or water your garden, for example, doesn't enter the sewer system. Billing you year-round for your winter average means you pay sewer charges for only the water that enters the sewer system.

How to find your winter average

Most single-family residential homes have their water meter read every three months (quarterly). This means the meter read for the winter average happens sometime between February 1 and April 30 each year. The exact timing depends on your account's billing cycle.

To find your winter average:

1. Look at your bill and find the water use graph.
2. Find the bar on the graph that's labeled FEB, MAR, or APR.
3. 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.

The sewer volume charges for your next three quarterly meter reads will be based on this winter use.

Here are some examples.

View full size image of Bar chart of water use from May 2024 to May 2025 with February highlighted

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 reads (May, August, and November) will be based on this winter use.

View full size image of Bar chart of water use from July 2024 to July 2025 with April highlighted

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. Their sewer volume charges for their next three quarterly reads (July, October, and January) will be based on this winter use.

Don't let water leaks affect your winter average!

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!

It's important to find and fix leaks before your winter average period. Even small leaks can waste hundreds to thousands of gallons of water a month. Leaks can happen both inside and outside your home.

Learn more about finding and fixing leaks

Get more tips on how to find household leaks from the Regional Water Providers Consortium.

Find and fix leaks indoors

View full size image of Package of "Toilet Leak detection Dye Tablets” with a graphic of a water drop putting a leak detection tablet in a toilet

Toilets are the most common place to find leaks in the home. Some toilet leaks are easy to find because you can hear water trickling or a faint hissing from your toilet. But most leaks are silent, making them easy to miss! Find and fix simple toilet leaks yourself using these easy steps.

Leaks are also common in showerheads or faucets. Follow these easy steps to fix a leaky faucet.

Find and fix leaks outdoors

The water service connection or sprinkler heads are common places to find outdoor water leaks. Check for leaks by looking for wet spots in your yard. The location of the wet spot will help you determine the source.

View full size image of A hole is dug around a small blue pipe that has water spraying out of it. The hole is filled with dirty water and surrounded by lush green grass.

Prevent leaks and breaks by protecting your pipes

When temperatures are at or below freezing, water pipes can freeze or break, causing leaks. There are steps you can take to protect your plumbing and reduce the risk of breaks. Learn how to prepare your plumbing for cold temperatures.

Get help with leak repairs

The Portland Water Bureau works with community partners and local plumbers to offer free water leak repair services for income-qualified homeowners in Portland. Learn more and find out if you qualify for the Home Water Leak Repair Program.

Request a bill credit after fixing a leak

If you find and fix a leak, let us know! You may qualify for an adjustment on your bill. 

During a 12-month period, each account is eligible to receive:

• One adjustment for an underground or outdoor leak that does not go into the sewer system
• One adjustment for a leak that does go into the sewer system (like a toilet leak)

Learn more and request a bill adjustment.

We're here to help

Questions about your bill?

Contact customer service at 503-823-7770 or PWBCustomerService@portlandoregon.gov.

Need help managing your bill?

Apply for financial assistance and learn about other ways to lower your bill.

Customer service can help you figure out which options are right for you. Call 503-823-7770 or emailPWBCustomerService@portlandoregon.gov.

Questions about your sewer and stormwater charges?

The Bureau of Environmental Services provides sewer and stormwater services that protect public health, the environment, and our waterways. Get more information about sewer and stormwater rates and charges.

Want to find leaks and save water?

The Water Efficiency Program can help you save water and money! Get tips on saving water at home, order free water-saving devices, and learn to find and fix leaks.