Delinquency research · dataset 2026.08
Shut-off and delinquency information for City of Portland Water Bureau (Portland Water Bureau)
Only provider-specific public findings are stated as policy. A missing field is not replaced with a rule borrowed from another utility.
Provider-specific findings
Delinquency research for this provider
The notes below may document a rule or explain a specific public-information limit. Any active notice and direct provider confirmation remain controlling.
- Grace period
- Portland's 2026-27 published fee ladder treats the bill as due at 21 days after billing, with no fee at that point. A 1% carrying charge is added at 28 days, a $5 first late fee at 35 days, a $14 pre-shutoff or urgent fee at 42 days, a $35 last-chance fee at 49 days when applicable, and shutoff authorization at 56 days. The due date and account-specific notices control if the bill cycle differs.
- Late-fee rules
- The current Portland rate page sets out the exact escalating schedule: day 28 adds a carrying charge of 1% of the most recent overdue bill; day 35 adds a $5 first late fee; day 42 adds a $14 pre-shutoff or urgent late fee; day 49 can add a $35 last-chance notice fee when that notice is delivered; and day 56 adds a $120 fee when water shutoff is authorized. Fees accumulate over time, and unauthorized use after shutoff can add a $160 meter-lock fee and further charges. Customers can avoid escalation by paying, arranging a plan, or applying for assistance promptly.
- Shut-off timeline
- Portland's published sequence is day 21 due, day 28 1% carrying charge, day 35 reminder and $5 late fee, day 42 pre-shutoff/urgent notice and $14 fee, day 49 last-chance notice for applicable accounts with $35 delivery fee, and day 56 authorization to disconnect with a $120 fee. The City may estimate bills if a meter cannot be read. Once shut off, the customer must call 503-823-7770, pay or establish a plan, and schedule a meter unlock; the City cannot guarantee same-day restoration and requires an adult with access to fixtures during the appointment.
- Warning and notice protocol
- The warning chain is a reminder at approximately day 35, a pre-shutoff or urgent notice at day 42, and a last-chance notice at day 49 for certain accounts before shutoff authorization at day 56. Portland's payment page identifies the Final Shutoff Notice as a last notification in its collection workflow and tells customers to respond immediately. Customers should use the official 503-823-7770 number or portal, because Portland warns that it will not call demanding immediate payment or personal financial details to prevent a shutoff. Payment arrangements and assistance applications should be made before the notice deadline.
- Reconnection costs
- The FY2026-27 rate table lists a $120 fee when water shutoff is authorized, but the public customer page does not publish a separate flat restoration fee after a completed nonpayment shutoff. The customer must call 503-823-7770, pay the balance or establish an approved arrangement, and schedule the meter unlock. No after-hours reconnection premium is listed; restoration is scheduled through Customer Service during 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. weekday hours, while the emergency line handles active water emergencies rather than delinquency reconnection.
Documentation context
5 of 5 fields found
This is a record-completeness measure, not a customer-protection grade.
Oregon
19%
records with any shut-off detail
National
34%
records with any shut-off detail
Research record
Broad public detail found
5 of 5 fields in this section contain provider-specific public detail in dataset August 1, 2026.
Documented
100%
Primary verification routes
- City of Portland Water Bureau (Portland Water Bureau) public website ↗
Provider-controlled destination used to confirm current customer instructions.
- EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System ↗
Federal background on public water-system records and their limitations.