Where to pay your Hillsboro water bill
The City of Hillsboro offers three main ways to pay your water bill: online through their website, by phone, or by mail. The online portal is the fastest option and lets you see your balance and payment history immediately. You can set up a one-time payment or enroll in automatic monthly payments so the bill comes out of your bank account on the same date each month.
To pay online, go to the City of Hillsboro's utility billing website and log in with your account number (printed on your bill). If you do not have an online account yet, you can create one using your service address and account number. The system accepts debit cards, credit cards, and bank account transfers, though credit card payments may include a small processing fee.
If you prefer to pay by phone, call the Hillsboro Utility Billing Division at (503) 681-6100. A staff member can process your payment over the phone using a debit or credit card. For mail payments, send a check or money order to the address listed on your bill, and include the payment stub so the city can match it to your account.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment through the city's website is the fastest method and shows your balance and payment history right away.
- You can set up automatic monthly payments so your bill is paid without you having to remember each month.
- Phone payments are available by calling (503) 681-6100 during business hours, and mail payments should include your payment stub.
- Credit card payments online or by phone may include a processing fee, so check the amount before confirming.
- Your account number appears on your bill and is required to log into the online portal or pay by phone.
Setting up automatic payments to avoid late fees
Automatic payments remove the risk of forgetting to pay and triggering a late fee. Once you enroll, the city withdraws the payment from your bank account on a set date each month. You control the amount and can change or cancel the arrangement at any time through your online account or by calling the Utility Billing Division.
To set up automatic payments online, log into your account, go to the payment section, and select the automatic payment option. You will need to provide your bank account number and routing number. The city processes these payments electronically, so they typically clear within one to two business days.
If your bill amount changes month to month (which is common for water bills, since usage varies), you can set the automatic payment to cover the full amount due each month. This way you pay exactly what you owe, not a fixed amount that might leave a balance or overpayment.
Understanding your Hillsboro water bill
Your water bill shows your service address, account number, current charges, and the due date. The charges include the cost of water used (measured in cubic feet or gallons), a base service fee, and any applicable taxes. Some bills also show sewer charges if your property is connected to the city sewer system.
The bill lists your meter reading from the current billing period and the previous period, so you can see how much water you used. If your usage seems unusually high, check for leaks in toilets, outdoor faucets, or pipes. A running toilet can waste hundreds of gallons per month and raise your bill significantly.
The due date is printed clearly on your bill. Payments received after that date may be subject to a late fee. If you cannot pay by the due date, contact the Utility Billing Division to discuss your options before the bill becomes overdue.
What to do if you cannot pay on time
If you are having trouble paying your water bill, contact the City of Hillsboro Utility Billing Division as soon as possible. The city may offer a payment plan that lets you spread the cost over several months instead of paying the full amount at once. Payment plans are not automatic, so you must request one before your account becomes delinquent.
The city also has information about low-income assistance programs that may help with utility costs. Call (503) 681-6100 to ask about these programs and what information you will need to provide. The sooner you reach out, the more options may be available to you.
If your water service is shut off due to non-payment, you will need to pay the full past-due balance plus any reconnection fees to restore service. Reconnection typically takes one to two business days after payment is received.
Checking your account balance and payment history
Log into your online account to see your current balance, due date, and a record of all payments you have made. This is useful if you want to confirm that a payment you sent by mail has been received and posted to your account. The online system usually updates within one to two business days of payment.
You can also view your bill history and usage trends, which helps you spot changes in your water consumption. If you see a sudden spike, it may indicate a leak that needs attention. The online portal lets you download and print past bills if you need them for records or to share with a landlord or property manager.
Updating your account information
If you move, change your mailing address, or want to add an authorized user to your account, you can make these changes online or by calling the Utility Billing Division. Updating your address ensures your bills arrive on time and you do not miss payment deadlines.
If you are the property owner but someone else lives at the address, you can authorize that person to view the account or make payments on your behalf. This is common for landlords who want tenants to handle utility payments. The city can set this up when you call or through your online account settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I pay late?
Late payments are subject to a fee, which the city will add to your next bill. If your account remains unpaid for a certain period, the city may shut off your water service. Contact the Utility Billing Division immediately if you think your payment will be late so you can discuss options.
Can I pay with a credit card online without a fee?
Credit card payments online and by phone typically include a processing fee of 2 to 3 percent, depending on the card type. Bank account transfers and checks do not have a fee. The system will show you the fee amount before you confirm the payment.
How do I know if my online payment went through?
After you submit a payment online, you will see a confirmation number on the screen. Log back into your account within one to two business days to verify that the payment has posted. You can also call (503) 681-6100 to confirm receipt.
What if I do not have a bank account for automatic payments?
You can pay by check or money order by mail, or call (503) 681-6100 to pay by phone with a debit or credit card. These methods work just as well as automatic payments; you simply have to remember to pay each month or call in advance.
Can I change my automatic payment date?
Yes. Log into your online account and adjust the payment date in your automatic payment settings. You can also call the Utility Billing Division to make changes over the phone. Changes typically take effect on your next billing cycle.