Portland Water Bureau bill discount
A discount on your Portland water bill
What it pays or provides
The program discounts your Portland water, sewer, and stormwater bill on an ongoing basis. Households at or below 60% of the state median family income get the Tier 1 discount; households at or below 30% get the deeper Tier 2 discount. On top of that, if you're already enrolled you can get a crisis voucher of up to $500 once every 12 months when you're going through a personal crisis, as long as you pay part of your bill.
Who qualifies
You qualify based on your household size and gross monthly income, checked against Portland's income table for Tier 1 (60% state median family income) and the lower Tier 2 threshold (30%). The income limits are valid through July 2027.
Income limits by household size
The income limits are valid through July 2027 and rise with each additional household member.
| People in your household | Monthly income limit (about) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $4,490 |
| 2 | $5,140 |
| 3 | $5,780 |
| 4 | $6,420 |
| 5 | $7,060 |
| 6 | $7,700 |
| 7 | $8,340 |
| 8 | $8,980 |
Limits shown are approximately 60% of the state median family income, rounded — the program’s own table is the final word.
Where you have to live
You must be a City of Portland water customer.
How other benefits affect it
If you're on Tier 2 and you own and live in a single-family home, and you're the account holder for both bills, you can also get a discount on your garbage bill.
How to apply
Apply online through the city's SeamlessDocs application, request a paper application by email or phone, or apply in person at one of eight Community Service Center partners (IRCO, SEI, Native American Youth and Family Center, Latino Network, Our Just Future, Impact Northwest, or El Programa Hispano Católico). Signing up usually takes about an hour.
Documents you’ll likely need
- Your water service address
- Household member names and birthdates (for anyone 60 or older)
- Your gross monthly household income
- Accepted proof of income for everyone whose income you list
Keeping it (renewal)
You need to reapply every two years to stay enrolled.
Sources
- Portland Water Bureau financial assistance
- Official rule text “Households earning up to 60 percent of the state median family income (MFI) are eligible for assistance.” (checked July 5, 2026)
- Official rule text “Income limits valid until July 2027.” (checked July 19, 2026)
- Official rule text “We offer crisis vouchers (credits) of up to $500 to eligible customers.” (checked July 19, 2026)
- Official rule text “If you receive financial assistance for your sewer, stormwater, and water bill, you may also be eligible for the City of Portland's garbage bill discount. To receive the garbage bill discount, you must: Own and live in a single-family home; Be enrolled in our financial assistance program and receive Tier 2 rate relief—check the income guidelines table to find out if you qualify; Be the account holder for both the garbage bill and the sewer, stormwater, and water bill” (checked July 19, 2026)