FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

• January 27, 2025
• April 28, 2025
• October 27, 2025

• January 21, 2025 (Special Board Meeting)
• February 6, 2025
• April 3, 2025
• June 5, 2025
• August 7, 2025
• September 4, 2025
• October 2, 2025
• December 4, 2025

You can apply in two ways:

• Online through our online customer service portal
• Print and mail/email application and include the receipt

The length of time to submit a rebate is 90 days from the date of purchase.

• October 28, 2024
• April 22, 2024
• January 22, 2024

• December 5, 2024
• October 3, 2024
• August 1, 2024
• June 6, 2024
• April 4, 2024
• February 1, 2024

The State and TVWD require backflow assemblies be tested under five circumstances:

1. At the time of installation
2. After any repairs to an assembly
3. If the assembly is relocated
4. Annually (once per calendar year)
5. After a backflow incident

Per Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 333-061-070: Backflow assembly tests are required to be conducted by an Oregon State Certified Backflow Assembly Tester.

Customers cannot opt out or opt in to the pilot program.

No. The whole toilet (tank & bowl) must be replaced to receive the rebate.

La agencia Community Action del Condado de Washington administra este programa y puede trabajar directamente con los clientes para obtener asistencia con su factura del agua y otros programas de asistencia con los servicios públicos. Comuníquese con Acción Comunitaria del Condado de Washington para solicitar ayuda.

El Programa de Asistencia al Cliente incluye:

• Los clientes elegibles pueden obtener un 20 % de descuento en la porción del agua potable (tanto los cargos fijos como los de uso) para su factura del agua. 
  • Comuníquese con Acción Comunitaria del Condado de Washington para solicitar asistencia.

Requisitos de elegibilidad del programa:

• Debe ser cliente actual de TVWD
• Cliente residencial unifamiliar que recibe la factura de TVWD directamente 
• Mostrar 60% de ingreso promedio para los últimos 60 días o inscribirse en uno de los siguientes (pero no limitado a): 
  • El Programa de Asistencia Nutricional Suplementaria (SNAP, siglas en inglés)
  • El Programa de Mujeres, Infantes y Niños (WIC, siglas en inglés)
  • Asistencia Temporal para Familias Necesitadas (TANF, siglas en inglés)
  • Estar en el Plan de Salud de Oregon o de Medicaid (OHP, siglas en inglés)
  • El Programa de Asistencia Energética para Hogares de Bajos Ingresos (LIHEAP)
  • El Programa de Almuerzo Gratis o Reducido
  • El Programa de Vivienda y Desarrollo Urbano (HUD, siglas en inglés)
  • Medicaid

Duración del Programa

• Los clientes inscritos recibirán el descuento durante 24 meses.
• Los clientes inscritos recibirán aviso 60 días antes del vencimiento del programa. Una vez que los clientes reciban su aviso de vencimiento de 60 días, serán elegibles para volver a presentar una solicitud con Community Action. 
• Si el cliente inscrito se muda fuera de su vivienda actual, debe volver a presentar una solicitud con Community Action para recibir el descuento para el nuevo local.

Los clientes pueden calificar tanto para los fondos del Programa de Asistencia de Emergencia al Cliente (financiamiento único al año para una emergencia definida) como para el Programa de Asistencia al Cliente. 

Community Action del Condado de Washington administra este programa y puede trabajar directamente con los clientes para obtener asistencia con su factura del agua y otros programas de asistencia con servicios públicos. Comuníquese con Community Actiondel Condado de Washington para solicitar ayuda.

El Programa de Asistencia al Cliente en Caso de emergencia incluye:

• Los clientes elegibles pueden recibir crédito por hasta 28 CCF de agua y cargos fijos para pagar el balance de su agua. 
  • $344 según tarifas de noviembre de 2024
  • Comuníquese con Community Action del Condado de Washington para solicitar asistencia
  • Se requiere un plan de pago para cualquier saldo restante

Límites de uso del programa:

• Un uso para un período de 12 meses
• El cliente tiene una emergencia declarada

Program eligibility requirements:

• Ser cliente actual de TVWD
• Ser cliente residencial unifamiliar que recibe la factura de TVWD directamente
• Balance vencido de su factura del agua 
• 60% de ingreso promedio durante los últimos 60 días o inscrito en uno de los siguientes programas: 
  • Programa de Asistencia Nutricional Suplementaria (SNAP)
  • Mujeres, Infantes y Niños (WIC)
  • Asistencia Temporal para Familias Necesitadas (TANF)
  • Plan de Salud de Oregón/Medicaid (OHP)
  • Programa de Almuerzo gratis o Reducido
  • Asistencia para Servicios Públicos
  • Vivienda pública
  • Sección 8

Los clientes pueden calificar tanto para los fondos del Programa de Asistencia en Caso de Emergencia al cliente (un solo financiamiento al año para una emergencia definida) como para el Programa de Asistencia al Cliente. 

The Portland Water Bureau’s Bull Run Watershed, one of TVWD’s water sources, is an unfiltered surface water source. During periods of heavy rain, such as fall and winter, organic matter and sediment levels can temporarily increase in the Bull Run watershed, which can alter the color of the water. This can impart a yellow tint to your water, similar to tea. This is primarily due to natural organic materials, such as tannins from decaying vegetation in the Bull Run Watershed. 

You may do the replacement yourself.

No, but we do encourage you to recycle old toilets at one of these recycling centers. Please contact them for hours and costs.

S&H Landscape Supplies & Recycling

20200 SW Stafford Rd, Tualatin

503-638-1011

Environmentally Conscious Recycling

12409 NE San Rafael, Portland

503-253-0867

You may do them all at the same time or each one separately, it's your choice.

January 2021 Emergency Preparedness Newsletter - Water Storage

February 2021 Emergency Preparedness Newsletter - Food Storage

March 2021 Emergency Preparedness Newsletter - Shelter

April 2021 Emergency Preparedness Newsletter - Cooking and Keeping Warm

May 2021 Emergency Preparedness Newsletter - Sanitation

June 2021 Emergency Preparedness Newsletter - Communications

July 2021 Emergency Preparedness Newsletter - First Aid

August 2021 Emergency Preparedness Newsletter - Tools and Supplies

September 2021 Emergency Preparedness Newsletter - House Fire Preparedness

October 2021 Emergency Preparedness Newsletter - Resources

November 2021 Emergency Preparedness Newsletter - Vehicles

December 2021 Emergency Preparedness Newsletter - Power Outages

January 2022 Emergency Preparedness Newsletter - Emergency Notifications

February 2022 Emergency Preparedness Newsletter - Helping Others

March 2022 Emergency Preparedness Newsletter - Spring Refresh

April 2022 Emergency Preparedness Newsletter - I Love You Guys Standard Response Protocol

May 2022 Emergency Preparedness Newsletter - Wildfires

June 2022 Emergency Preparedness Newsletter -  Heat

July 2022 Emergency Preparedness Newsletter - Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan

August 2022 Emergency Preparedness Newsletter - September is Preparedness Month

September 2022 Emergency Preparedness Newsletter - Cold Weather Preparedness

October 2022 Emergency Preparedness Newsletter - Flood Prevention

November 2022 Emergency Preparedness Newsletter - Tips for Decorating Safely

December 2022 Emergency Preparedness Newsletter - Frozen Pipes

January 2023 Emergency Preparedness Newsletter - National Radon Awareness Month

February 2023 Emergency Preparedness Newsletter - Heart Health Month

March 2023 Emergency Preparedness Newsletter - Take 5 to Survive

April 2023 Emergency Preparedness Newsletter - Work Zone Awareness Week

May 2023 Emergency Preparedness Newsletter - Beat the Summer Heat

June 2023 Emergency Preparedness Newsletter - June is National Safety Month

July 2023 Emergency Preparedness Newsletter - Celebrate the Summer

August 2023 Emergency Preparedness Newsletter - Back to School

September 2023 Emergency Preparedness Newsletter - September is Preparedness Month

October 2023 Emergency Preparedness Newsletter - Prepare for Winter Weather

November 2023 Emergency Preparedness Newsletter - Cooking Tips

December 2023 Emergency Preparedness Newsletter - Holiday Tips

January 2024 Emergency Preparedness Newsletter - Refresh your Preparedness

February 2024 Emergency Preparedness Newsletter - Prepare for Severe Weather

March 2024 Emergency Preparedness Newsletter - Prepare for Flooding

If your account was estimated, an insert was included to call attention to the estimation process. Customers enrolled in paperless billing were emailed, alerting them to the estimated billing process. Information is also added to your customer portal account.

To update your contact information on your account, either:

• Visit the online Customer Self-Service Portal, or
• Contact Customer Service at (503) 848-3000 or by customerservice [at] tvwd.org (email).

You can use the above methods to update the following:

• Name on the account
• Credit/debit card information (Customer Self-Service Portal only)
• phone number
• Email
• Billing/mailing address

TVWD is committed to keeping you informed during water emergencies, outages, or service interruptions. To ensure we can reach you quickly with important updates or alerts, please take a moment to update your contact information by:

• Visiting the Customer Self-Service Portal, or 
• Contacting TVWD at (503) 848-3000 or by customerservice [at] TVWD.org (email).

Step 1: Submit Grievance

Before you can file a complaint with Oregon Government Ethics Commission (OGEC), you need to submit a written grievance to the public body at issue. The written grievance needs to include:

1. Date of submission of the grievance.
2. The name and contact information of the person filing the grievance.
3. The date that the alleged violation of the Public Meetings Law occurred.
4. A description of the facts and circumstances of the alleged violation of ORS 192.610 - 192.705.

The written grievance must be submitted to the public body within 30 calendar days of when the alleged violation happened. (OAR 199-050-0070(2)).

Send the written grievance to the Tualatin Valley Water District Recorder: recordsrequest [at] tvwd.org (recordsrequest[at]tvwd[dot]org) or grievances may be mailed or dropped off at Tualatin Valley Water District, 1850 SW 170th Ave, Beaverton OR 97003 during regular business hours.

Step 2: Wait for Response

The public body (TVWD) has 21 calendar days to respond to your written grievance. The public body's response should acknowledge the receipt of the written grievance and address it in one of the following ways:

• Deny the facts and circumstances alleged in the grievance. Provide the public body's version of events and why those facts are not a violation of the law.
• Admit to the facts and circumstances alleged in the grievance, but deny that they are a violation of the law.
• Admit to the facts and circumstances alleged in the grievance and that they were a violation of the law. Explain the steps the governing body will take to address the violation.
• Once you receive a response from the public body, or if you do not receive a response within 21 days of filing your grievance, you can move on to filing a complaint with OGEC. (ORS 192.705(2))

Step 3: File Complaint

If you receive a response that satisfies your grievance, you can work with the public body and do not need to file a complaint. If you don't receive a response within 21 days or if you are dissatisfied with response you received, you can file a complaint with OGEC. To file a complaint with OGEC, you are required to include documentation that you have completed the mandatory prerequisites (steps 1 and 2). You can submit a complaint on the OGEC Cases & Complaints web page.

You must include the following with your complaint:

• A copy of the written grievance.
• A copy of the public body's response.

If no response was received, an affirmation that you did not receive a response within the 21-day period. If you fail to satisfy the mandatory prerequisites before filing your complaint with OGEC, your complaint will be dismissed. (ORS 192.685(3))
 

In case of a broken water pipe, it’s essential for everyone in your household to know how to quickly shut off water to your home by turning off the main shut-off valve to your home. The valve is typically located in the crawl space, basement, garage, or near the foundation of your home. Find step-by-step instructions on the Shutting Off Your Water webpage.

For your safety and to prevent damage, please do not tamper with or attempt to use the shut-off valve at your water meter. This valve is for utility use only. 

If you need assistance locating the main shut-off valve to your home or turning off the shut-off valve at your water meter, contact TVWD at (503) 848-3000 or by customerservice [at] TVWD.org (email) for assistance.

TVWD sets water rates every-other year. Visit our Drinking Water Rates page for more information about our rates and rate-setting process. 

TVWD facilitates an open and transparent budget process in accordance with Oregon law. TVWD operates with a two year (biennial) budget. The biennial budget has several oversight steps. The budget is reviewed and approved by the District's Budget Committee, which is comprised of five appointed citizen members who live within the District and the five elected members of the Board of Commissioners. The elected Board of Commissioners hold a hearing and consider the approved budget for adoption.

TVWD is a self-sustaining water utility, which means that rates and fees rather than taxation fund all services. TVWD does not receive any tax dollars, and all the revenue collected is spent on water operations, system maintenance and capital improvements. The District's budget includes funds for general operations, In-District capital improvements, Willamette Water Supply System capital improvements, capital reserves, and other intergovernmental funds.

For most customers, usage is estimated by:

• 80% of last year’s water consumption over the same billing period, if your account was active last year.
• District average use of 14 ccf, if you did not have an account in the same billing period last year.
• Customers were billed $0 for consumption, if you did not have any consumption during the prior billing cycle.
• Connections by builders were billed the same amount as the prior cycle.

If usage falls outside a set range, a customer service representative makes a good faith estimate based on past usage.

You may have up to three toilet rebates per household.

Both of our source water providers carefully monitor the amount of disinfectant added to water as it leaves their treatment plants. Plant operators strictly follow the EPA’s maximum allowable levels in order to protect public health.

Disinfectant residual levels (a measure of how much chlorine is in the water) are monitored 24/7 at all TVWD entry points and over a dozen locations throughout TVWD’s system. Residual readings are also collected from various sample stations around the district hundreds of times each month to confirm your water is safe to drink.

Yes. Please do the following to submit your rebate. 

• Fill out the application form in your name
• Enter the rental property address in the Installation Address box
• Enter your mailing address in the Mailing Address box
• Note that you are the owner of the property

Yes. Owners of master-metered residences such as condominiums, duplex/multiplex or manufactured homes are eligible for rebates.

Yes. 

Use our Drinking Water Provider Lookup Tool to find out if you are within TVWD’s service area. 

No, even hot tap water must be boiled for one minute.

Often household odors (e.g., drains, compost buckets) may be mistaken for odor in drinking water. Fill up a glass of water and move it to another room to determine if tap water is the source of the odor.   

If the odor is from hot water only, water heater maintenance may be required. HEALTH TIP: Only use cold water for cooking and drinking! Why? see our Lead and Copper webpage.

Water sitting unused in plumbing for a long period of time may develop a taste or odor from the pipe material itself. Flush suspect taps until the water runs cold to bring in fresh water from the water main serving your home.

Remove and clean faucet aerators periodically and replace water filters according to the manufacture’s guidelines.

If a taste or odor issue persists in your drinking water, contact a TVWD Water Quality Specialist at 503-848-3000.

The five appointed Budget Committee members serve four year terms and represent the interests of the District's ratepayers. Applicants are interviewed by members from the Board of Commissioners and assessed for relevant education and experience, interest and ability to prepare for and attend all the required workshops and meetings.

There are no current openings on the District's Budget Committee. When an opening is available, TVWD publicizes vacancies in local newspapers and on the District website.

Community Action of Washington County administers this program and can work directly with customers for assistance on their water bill and other utility assistance programs. Contact Community Action of Washington County to apply for assistance.

The Customer Assistance Program includes:

• Eligible customers can 20% off the drinking water portion (both fixed and usage charges) of their water bill
  • Contact Community Action of Washington County to apply for assistance

Program eligibility requirements:

• Current TVWD customer
• Single-family residential customer, receiving TVWD bill directly 
• 60% median income for the past 60 days or enrolled in one of the following (but not limited to):
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
  • Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
  • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
  • Oregon Health Plan/Medicaid (OHP)
  • Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
  • Free or Reduced Lunch Program
  • Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
  • Medicaid

Program Duration

• Enrolled customers will receive the discount for 24 months
• Enrolled customers will be notified 60 days prior to program expiration. Once customers receive their 60-day expiration notice, they will be eligible to re-apply with Community Action. 
• If enrolled customer moves out of current premise, they must re-apply with Community Action to receive the discount for the new premise.

Customers can qualify for both Customer Emergency Assistance Program funds (one-time-per-year funding for a defined emergency) and the Customer Assistance Program. 

Community Action of Washington County administers this program and can work directly with customers for assistance on their water bill and other utility assistance programs. Contact Community Action of Washington County to apply for assistance.

The Customer Emergency Assistance Program includes:

• Eligible customers can receive credit for to up to 28 CCFs of water and fixed charges towards their water balance
  • $354 at November 2025 rates
  • Contact Community Action of Washington County to apply for assistance
  • Payment plan is required for any remaining balances

Limits of program use:

• One use per 12-month period
• Customer has a stated emergency

Program eligibility requirements:

• Current TVWD customer
• Single-family residential customer, receiving TVWD bill directly
• Past due water balance
• 60% median income for the past 60 days or enrolled in one of the following:
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
  • Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
  • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
  • Oregon Health Plan/Medicaid (OHP)
  • Free or Reduced Lunch Program
  • Utility Assistance
  • Public Housing
  • Section 8

Customers can qualify for both Customer Emergency Assistance Program funds (one-time-per-year funding for a defined emergency) and the Customer Assistance Program. 

¹On March 14, 2023, EPA announced a proposed NPDWR for six PFAS (GenX chemicals, PFBS, PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS, and PFNA). After EPA has considered public comments and publishes a final PFAS NPDWR, EPA will update the reference concentrations for these six PFAS as appropriate

²ppt: Parts per Trillion, equivalent to two drops of water in an Olympic-sized swimming pool

³ Hazard Index: A unitless value that represents additive health risk from chemical mixtures

Current residential rates can always be found on our Residential Water Rates page.

Current commercial and multi-family rates can be found on our Commercial Water Rates page.  

The primary source of lead in drinking water is lead solder used in copper plumbing installed before 1986, as well as brass fixtures and components. When water sits in these home plumbing systems for several hours, lead can dissolve into water. In this case, the first-used water, such as in the morning or after extended inactivity, is more likely to contain lead.

This is could be the result of natural algae growth in the watershed, often caused by a change of season. Different types of algae can cause your water to smell fishy, moldy, grassy or even like cucumbers or violets. These variations are purely aesthetic and have no effect on the safety of your water. This can become more noticeable in summer when temperatures are highest. Treatment plant operators may make adjustments to control the variations.

There are a few tricks you can try to alleviate this like but storing a pitcher of water either on ice or in the refrigerator, allowing it to chill and the chlorine to dissipate, is probably the easiest and most efficient way to improve taste. 

Some people are more sensitive to tastes and odors than others and chlorine or chloramine is often most noticeable. Chlorine has been added to drinking water in small amounts since the early 1900s to destroy disease-causing pathogens. Occasional fluctuations in flavor or smell do not indicate an increase or decrease in the disinfectant. It is more likely due to a change in water temperature (especially when it’s warmer) or water age, indicating that the chlorine is dissipating. This generally subsides on its own after a few hours or days and is no cause for alarm. 

Disinfectant residual levels (a measure of how much chlorine is in the water) are monitored 24/7 at all entry points and over a dozen locations throughout TVWD’s system. Residual readings are also collected from sample stations (near you!) hundreds of times each month by Water Quality staff to confirm water quality through ongoing operations.

Some people are more sensitive to tastes and odors than others and water disinfected with chlorine or chloramines can be noticeable. Occasional fluctuations in taste or smell do not necessarily indicate an increase or decrease in the disinfectant. It is more likely due to a change in water temperature (especially with warmer weather) or older water age, indicating that the chlorine is dissipating in time.

Blending of our source waters can also cause the water to smell like chlorine. This generally subsides on its own and is no cause for alarm, your water is completely safe to drink.

A cross connection is any connection between piping that carries drinking water (also known as potable water) and the piping or fixtures that carry other types of water or substances that are not safe to drink or may impact the taste or odor of water (also known as non-potable water). Common cross connections include hot tubs, sprinkler and irrigation systems and auxiliary water systems (wells).

Drinking water flows from the source to your tap in pressurized water pipes. Normally it flows in one direction, though under certain circumstances it can flow in the opposite direction, or "backflow." When backflow occurs, water runs backwards through the water system and could contain something that might contaminate the drinking water supply. TVWD strives to maintain positive pressure in the system at all times, but events such as main breaks and fire fighting can contribute to backflow conditions.

Cryptosporidium is a parasite that can cause cryptosporidiosis, a serious illness. Symptoms can include diarrhea, vomiting, fever and stomach pain. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people with severely weakened immune systems are at risk for more serious disease. Symptoms may be more severe and could lead to serious or life-threatening illness. Examples of people with weakened immune systems include those with AIDS; those with inherited diseases that affect the immune system; and cancer and transplant patients who are taking certain immunosuppressive drugs. Health care providers and clinical laboratories are required by law to report cases and suspect cases of cryptosporidiosis to local health departments within one working day of identification.

TVWD operates on a biennial budget, meaning budgets are set in two-year intervals. Visit our Budget page to learn about our budget process and current budget. 

When water from JWC mixes, referred to as blending, with Bull Run water at a ratio close to 50:50, secondary chloramines can be formed. While the water may sometimes seem less palatable, there is no increase in the overall disinfectant level. These reactions can occur more frequently during the summer months when water temperatures are higher. Again, this reaction is purely aesthetic, and the water is safe to drink.

• If tap water was used during flushing, it could come from your tap with sediment that causes discoloration. If you encounter discolored water, shut the water off and wait several minutes. After waiting, check water clarity by running cold water for a few minutes, allowing new water to work its way into your pipes. If the water is clear, it's OK to resume using. If not, wait a few more minutes and check again.
• In some cases, water may have slight discoloration for a few hours. Highly discolored water with visible sediment is safe to use for tasks like handwashing and flushing toilets, but it is recommended to avoid using it for drinking or cooking until it clears. Visit our Discolored Water page for more information.
  • Avoid using discolored water for laundry or dishwashing, as sediment can clog filters and stain items.
  • Do not use hot water during discoloration to prevent sediment from entering your water heater.
  • Use discolored water only for flushing toilets and washing hands.
• If pressure or volume seems low, check your faucet screens for trapped particles.

If you see a crew flushing a hydrant on your street, avoid running tap water or using your washing machine or the dishwasher until the flushing is done. If you see hydrant flushing crews working in the area, please drive carefully and treat them like any other road construction crew.

TVWD's biennial (2023-2025) budget process began with a budget tour on Tuesday, April 11, 2023. The proposed budget was reviewed by the citizen budget committee in two workshops:

• Budget Workshop #1: Tuesday, April 18, 2023
• Budget Workshop #2: Tuesday, May 9, 2023

The final two meetings of the budget process, to hold a hearing and the formal adoption process, were:

• Budget Committee Meeting: Wednesday, May 31, 2023
• Board Meeting/Budget Adoption: Wednesday, June 21, 2023

In 2023, TVWD proposed a two-phased water rate increase. The initial increase of $15.53 per month for a typical single-family residence took effect on November 1, 2023. The second increase, which will take effect on November 1, 2024, will be an additional $15.04 per month for a typical single-family residence. Water bills vary based on meter size and individual usage.

TVWD's Board of Commissioners adopted the two-phased rate increase on September 20.

TVWD carefully manages your water system and your water rates. We understand it can be challenging for some customers to keep up with utility bills, including their water bill. Several programs are offered to help those who are struggling to pay, including conservation tips, flexible payment arrangements and an emergency assistance program. 

Customers were encouraged to learn more and provide comments to the TVWD Board during a public comment period. Videos of the presentations can be found at the links below. 

• Virtual Open House #1  
  • Wednesday, August 2 2023, 12:00 pm
  • Watch the Open House recording here | PowerPoint Presentation
• In-Person Open House
  • Saturday, August 5 2023, 9:00-10:30 am
  • TVWD Headquarters: 1850 SW 170th Avenue, Beaverton
• Board of Commissioners Meeting – Public Hearing
  • Wednesday, August 16 2023, 6:00 p.m.
  • TVWD Headquarters: 1850 SW 170th Avenue, Beaverton
• Virtual Open House #2
  • Thursday, August 17, 6:00 p.m.
  • Watch the Open House recording here
• Comments were accepted until August 24, 2023 at 4:00 pm and were included in the public record.

Vehicle/Tank inspections for Hydrant Permits are by appointment only on select days during normal business hours at TVWD Headquarters.

Billing occurs bi-monthly, typically every other month, based on your water meter reading date. Meter readings are conducted in phases across different service areas, resulting in varied billing cycles for each area."

If you have a question on when you will receive your next bill, visit the Online Customer Service Portal, call (503) 848-3000 or email customerservice [at] tvwd.org (customerservice[at]tvwd[dot]org) 

There are two lines for water volume charges on the true up bill to replicate the use over the two billing cycles. If all four months were totaled together in a  single line, customers would be more likely to enter into Block 2 rates, which is a volume charge that recovers the cost of the water system size that is required to deliver peak water demand. 

One CCF is 748 gallons. CCF is 100 cubic feet of water.

Single Family Residential Class:

Block 1 = Water use up to 28CCF every two months (28CCF = 20,944 gallons)

Block 2 = All consumption over 28 CCF every two months.

Commercial and All Other Classes: 

Block 1 = Water use up to 140% of 12-month moving average

Block 2 = All consumption exceeding the Block 1 Threshold

When a hydrant is opened, there may be temporary incidences of discolored water while fine sediment particles are flushed out. There is no health hazard associated with the discolored water. Allow a few hours for discoloration to dissipate. To verify water is clear, run your cold-water tap for a few minutes.

TVWD estimates water usage when staff can’t safety read your water meter, such as during inclement weather, or when other factors, such as staffing shortage or an inaccesible meter prevent the District from completing the meter reading as scheduled.

TVWD has received customer feedback stating bi-monthly billing complicates financial planning for some households. To reduce delinquency and service disconnections, we are testing a more predictable monthly cycle.

Water is disinfected to protect public health. Chlorine has been added to drinking water in small amounts since the early 1900s to destroy disease-causing pathogens.

Prior to the widespread use of disinfectants, many people became ill or died because of contaminated water. Disinfection kills or inactivates bacteria, viruses, and other potentially harmful organisms in drinking water.

Automatic payments and paperless billing will adjust to the new monthly due date. No changes are necessary.

The costs of services are not changed by this pilot, only billing frequency. In fact, having a bi-monthly bill split into a monthly bill may help those customers on budgets and fixed incomes be able to balance their budgets more easily.

Si su cuenta fue estimada, se incluyó un inserto para llamar la atención sobre el proceso de estimación. Los clientes inscritos en la facturación electrónica recibieron un correo electrónico alertándolos sobre el proceso de facturación estimado. La información también se agrega a su cuenta del portal del cliente.

• October 23, 2023 - canceled 
• April 24, 2023
• January 23, 2023

• December 7, 2023
• November 2, 2023
• August 3, 2023
• June 1, 2023
• April 6, 2023
• February 2, 2023

The State and TVWD require testing companies to submit test results electronically through TVWD’s tracking software, FormLink Systems, within ten (10) business days of the completed test, whether the assembly passes or fails.  Testing companies are also required to provide copies of test results for customer records.

The testing company will need the “Location Code” (listed on the test reminder letter received by the customer) to electronically submit the results to TVWD.  Commercial customers with multiple TVWD accounts may receive multiple letters for the same property, which will contain different Location Codes.

For in-home testing, TVWD residential customers can order a free lead-in water sampling kit provided through a program administered by the Portland Water Bureau. This kit includes information about reducing exposure to lead in drinking water.

• Visit Portland Water Bureau's Lead-in-Water webpage.
• Call (503) 823-7525.

For other in-home water quality concerns beyond lead, you will need to contact a local laboratory that provides testing services. They can assist with analyzing water quality issues specific to your home. 

Water quality monitoring begins at TVWD’s sources (e.g., lakes, rivers, groundwater wells), where samples are collected to assess the overall quality of the water supply. Treated water is then supplied to TVWD’s system of pipes and storage tanks, where staff collect hundreds of water samples each month to test for bacteria and other regulated contaminants. Combined, this testing provides assurance that the water remains safe and high quality as it reaches your home. Visit our Water System Treatment and Monitoring page for more information about how TVWD keeps your water safe to drink.

Discolored water can occur due to planned maintenance or unexpected disruptions in the water system. Over time, naturally occurring sediment accumulates at the bottom of water mains. Occasionally, this sediment may make its way into your home’s plumbing. Activities such as fire hydrant use, main breaks, or nearby water system construction/maintenance may disturb sediment that has settled in the water mains, causing it to enter your home when you turn on your tap.

Typically, the water clears on its own within a few hours, often much sooner. To help manage sediment, TVWD conducts routine water main flushing. Signs are posted in areas where crews are working, and updates are provided on our Flushing Program page.

TVWD rates are set every two years through a structured process that reflects the cost of delivering water to customers while maintaining water infrastructure and meeting regulatory requirements. 

During rate setting processes, TVWD holds public hearings or workshops where customers can provide input on proposed rate changes. This ensures that customers have a chance to ask questions or voice their concerns.

For details about our rates, the rate-setting process, and bill assistance programs, visit our Drinking Water Rates webpage.

Protecting your pipes from freezing is crucial to avoid water service disruptions and costly damage. Find tips to prevent frozen pipes and guidance on what to do if they freeze or break.

TVWD’s Customer Service team is ready to assist and answer questions about the water supply integration process. During the integration timeline, Customer Service will be available with during business hours, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

• 503-848-3000
• CustomerService [at] TVWD.org (CustomerService[at]TVWD[dot]org)

TVWD’s budget and rate setting processes have significant public oversight from its publicly elected Board of Commissioners. Every other spring, the TVWD Board of Commissioners, in consultation with a 10-member Citizen’s Budget Committee considers and approves a budget for capital projects and water system operations. This process establishes the spending plans funded by customer rates for the following two-year budget cycle. TVWD maintains a 30-year financial plan that balances TVWD’s capital and operating costs with revenue from rates, other fees, financial reserves, and long-term borrowing.

The TVWD Board of Commissioners considers and, if approved, adopts the water rates for the biennium to fund the approved budget. During both the budget and rate processes, TVWD holds information sessions, workshops, and public hearings to receive input from customers. In 2022, a 17-member Rate Advisory Committee (RAC), appointed by TVWD’s Board of Commissioners, advised the Board regarding customer affordability programs and rate design. 

Water rates are carefully set to align with the budget and financial plan approved by the TVWD Board of Commissioners. This process is designed to be transparent and accountable, with significant public oversight.

The TVWD Board of Commissioners adopted the 2025-2027 Financial Plan in May 2025. The Financial Plan identified the District’s capital and operating expenses for the next two years.

Every two years, in the spring, the Board of Commissioners works closely with a 10-member Citizen's Budget Committee. Together, they thoroughly review and approve the budget for capital projects (like infrastructure improvements) and the day-to-day operations of the water system. TVWD’s Board of Commissioners adopted the 2025-2027 Budget in June 2025.

The safety and quality of your drinking water is our top priority at TVWD. We source water from two primary suppliers: the Joint Water Commission (JWC) and Portland Water Bureau. Each employs distinct disinfection methods to eliminate harmful pathogens. Please visit our how is my water disinfected Web page for more information.

To determine if TVWD provides your water service, type your address into the online Drinking Water Provider Look Up Tool.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are human-made chemicals that have been used in various industry and consumer products since the 1940s, including: 

• Fire suppression foams 
• Electroplating 
• Non-stick cookware 
• Water-repellent clothing 
• Stain resistant fabrics and carpets 
• Products that resist grease, water, and oil 
• Cosmetics and personal care products.  

During production and use, PFAS can migrate into the soil, water, and air. Different PFAS are now found together and in combinations (or mixtures) in the environment. PFAS can enter water in many ways, including discharges to rivers, lakes, and groundwater from manufacturing and processing facilities, as well as during industrial and commercial use. Contamination can also occur in proximity to airports, military installations, and other sites where PFAS have been produced or heavily used. 

Though some types of PFAS have largely been phased out of use due to health and environmental concerns, PFAS can still be found in the environment as they break down at extremely slow rates, which is why they are often referred to as “forever chemicals.” Exposure to these chemicals occurs by using products made with PFAS, consuming PFAS-contaminated water or food, or breathing air containing PFAS. Scientific studies have shown that exposure to certain types of PFAS may be linked to harmful health effects in humans and animals. While more research is still needed, we now know that persistent exposure to PFAS may: 

• Lead to negative health effects on pregnant people and in developing babies 
• Weaken a body’s ability to fight disease 
• An increased risk for some cancers or liver damage 
• Elevated cholesterol levels (which can increase the risk for heart attack or stroke) 

Planned water outages are scheduled, temporary interruptions in water service that are intentionally planned by TVWD for maintenance, repairs, upgrades, or improvements to the water distribution system.  

If your water service is going to be affected by a planned water outage, you'll receive notification 48-hours in advance in the following ways to minimize inconvenience and allow for necessary work to be completed.

• Email*
• A notice on your door

*NOTE: We will use the email address currently on file in our billing system. To update that information:

• Visit: Customer Self-Service Portal
• Call: (503) 848-3000 
• Email: customerservice [at] tvwd.org (Customer Service Team)

Lead can cause significant health problems when ingested through drinking water or other sources. It can damage the brain and kidneys and interfere with the production of red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout the body. Infants, young children, and pregnant women are at the greatest risk of harm from lead exposure. In children, even low levels of lead have been linked to developmental delays and lower IQ.

If you are concerned about lead exposure, consult your physician for advice and testing options. For more information about the health effects of lead, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Lead Information Page.

Hydrant Meter Backflow Assemblies typically provide temporary metered water access at or near large projects and construction sites.

Visit our Leak Detection Web page or call us at 503-848-3000.

The process of replacing the Portland Water Bureau source with the WWSS source will create temporary blending in the system. This is a necessary, unavoidable step in the integration process. The replacement of Portland Water Bureau source with the new WWSS source may temporarily affect the taste, smell, or color of your water during the integration process as the new source mixes and interacts with the existing plumbing in your home. 

TVWD has implemented extensive water system preparations in anticipation of water supply integration. The entire water system has been flushed to eliminate as much organic matter as possible from the previously used unfiltered Portland Water Bureau water. This step is crucial in minimizing interactions between the two water sources that can affect the taste, smell, and color of the water.

Just before the start of integration key reservoirs will be drained to their lowest operating levels and quickly refilled with water from the Willamette Water Supply. This approach will enhance the turnover of water within the system, reducing the duration of any changes customers may notice due to the integration.

Throughout the integration process, TVWD staff will conduct enhanced water quality testing and correlate the results with real-time customer feedback. In areas where the transition from the old supply to the new Willamette Water Supply is slow, teams of professional water operators will perform targeted flushing to pull the new water further into the distribution system, effectively replacing the old water and improving overall water quality.

Water supply integration is the process of introducing and incorporating this new water source into TVWD’s water system, which will be completed in four phases. During integration, you may notice some temporary changes to the look, taste, or smell of your drinking water. This is perfectly normal and expected. 

During integration, TVWD will replace the majority of its water, which as been historically purchased from the Portland Water Bureau, with water from the new Willamette Water Supply. Because the two water supplies undergo different treatment processes, this transition may temporarily affect the taste, smell, or color of your water. A majority of these changes to your water are expected to last up to two weeks. Additionally, your home’s plumbing may take up to six months to fully stabilize as it adjusts to the characteristics of the new water source.

The best way to prepare for water supply integration is by knowing when your home is expected to begin receiving the new water supply. By using the map above to search your address, you can see the current timeline for water supply integration at your home. Additionally, TVWD will contact you via email and mail with important information related to water supply integration.

It's important for customers to know that water sitting in your home’s plumbing for prolonged periods, such as when you’re away during the day for work, school, or other activities, can create a pronounced change to your water’s taste, smell, or color during the integration process. This is due to the extended time water from the new supply is in contact with your home’s plumbing. Being able to flush your home's cold and hot water plumbing will ease the changes to your water's smell, taste, and look after integration. 

Cycle Bill: The standard bill sent when your water bill is due.

Reminder Notice: A reminder sent approximately 15 days after your due date if your bill remains unpaid.

Urgent Notice: A notice of impeding water service shutoff sent approximately 30 days after your due date if your bill remains unpaid.

Estimated Bill: Cycle bills sent if TVWD was unable to read your meter for any reason. 

True-Up Bill: Your first bill after an estimated bill. The True-Up bill may be higher or lower than a normal bill depending on if your estimated bill was overestimated or underestimated.

Adjustment Bill: Sent if there is a correction or adjustment to a bill outside of the regular billing cycle.

Closing Bill: Sent when you close your account and will no longer receive service at that address.

2nd Notice Closing: Sent if a closing bill remains unpaid.

Collection Notice: Sent prior to sending your account to an outside third-party collection agency when TVWD does not receive payment for service after the customer’s account has been closed and won’t respond to other notifications.

TVWD has been planning the water supply integration for eight years, starting in 2017. At that time, TVWD began receiving best-practices guidance from water industry experts that aided in the development of its technical integration plan and public outreach and engagement strategy. The goal of these efforts are to have the best possible outcome and benefit for all customers receiving water from the Willamette Water Supply System.

Integration of the new water supply will start in mid-2026 and be completed in five distinct phases across TVWD’s 41-square-mile service area to control and monitor the process of replacing water throughout the entire water system. 

The full process of water supply integration will occur over a four to six-month period, however, most changes to your home’s water will occur during the two weeks following the integration phase that includes your home. The map above shows the four different phases and can be searched by address to identify your expected integration date.

Importantly, not all customers will experience changes to their water’s taste, smell, or color and some customers will experience an improvement in these qualities of their water. 

TVWD headquarters is located at 1850 SW 170th Ave, Beaverton OR 97003. 

Tualatin Valley Water District and the State of Oregon, Oregon Health Authority require the public water system be protected from non-potable water sources. Examples of non-potable source include, but are not limited to: Irrigation system, fire suppression systems, wells, swimming pools, and hot tubs.  Testable backflow assemblies prevent the flow of water in a direction other than its intended path.  They are, in a sense, a one-way valve.

Using irrigation systems as an example, there is a risk that your sprinkler system may be exposed to: The glue and primer used to join the PVC pipes, chemicals and/or fertilizers commonly used to maintain your lawn and other plants, or animal urine or feces which may collect around or come in contact with an outlet of your sprinkler system.

A typical backflow assembly for an irrigation system would contain two check valves.  The check valve on the side of the irrigation system is under constant pressure, preventing the water from entering the water supplying your home.  Should this check valve fail, the second valve is present to provide the safety barrier.  Research has shown, and the State and TVWD agree, annual testing is an ideal timeframe to test the backflow assembly to ensure it is properly protecting the public water system.  More frequent testing would not be beneficial, however the risk of backflow failure increases greatly if testing does not take place annually.

There are a variety of reasons your water may not be flowing correctly:

Planned or Emergency Outages

Your water may have temporarily been shut off for water system maintenance, including installing new water mains or fixing water leaks and breaks. Stay informed about planned and emergency water system outages that could affect water service to your home or business at our System Leaks and Outages page.

Water Main Breaks

Water main breaks disrupt the flow of water through the pipes that supply homes and businesses. When a main breaks, the pressure within the system can drop significantly or be completely lost. If you suspect a water main break, please call us at (503) 848-3000. We are ready to respond to water emergencies 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Shutoff Due to Non-Payment

As a last resort, TVWD will shut off water service due to non-payment after sending multiple notices, reminders, and phone calls. If you have been shut off due to non-payment, please call us right away at (503) 848-3000. For payment options, visit our Ways to Pay page for bill payment options and our Bill Assistance Programs page for help with your water bill.

Integrating the new water supply with a phased approach allows us to carefully control and monitor the process of introducing the new source of water to parts of the water system before distributing water throughout the entire system. Phasing the water supply integration is the most safe and efficient way to introduce a new water supply while supporting customers through the integration process. 

The process of replacing the Portland Water Bureau source with the Willamette source will create temporary blending of water supplies. This is a necessary, unavoidable step in the integration process. Integrating in four phases allows for the greatest control of this blending and the ability to replace the prior water source efficiently. The replacement of Portland Water Bureau source with the new Willamette source may temporarily affect the taste, smell, or color of your water during the integration process as the new source mixes and interacts with the existing plumbing in your home.

While there is enough water to serve our region today, we must prepare to meet future drinking water needs. Washington County is expected to grow 30% by 2050, and while water conservation is important, it doesn’t remove our region’s need for an additional water source. This project prepares the region for a shifting climate, changing surface water supplies, and a growing population.

Some filtrations systems filter for bacteria and others do not. To be safe, we recommend that you assume your system does not and you should use boiled or bottled water.

Para la mayoría de los clientes, el uso se estima de esta manera:

• 80% del consumo de agua del año pasado durante el mismo período de facturación, si su cuenta estuvo activa el año pasado.
• Uso promedio del distrito de 14 ccf, si no tenía una cuenta en el mismo período de facturación el año pasado.
• A los clientes se les facturó $0 por consumo, si no tuvieron ningún consumo durante el ciclo de facturación anterior.
• Las conexiones de las constructoras se facturaron por el mismo monto que el ciclo anterior.

Si el uso queda fuera de un rango establecido, un representante de servicio al cliente hace una estimación de buena fe basada en el uso anterior.

• October 24, 2022
• April 25, 2022
• January 24,  2022

• December 1, 2022
• October 6, 2022
• September 1, 2022
• August 4, 2022
• July 7, 2022
• June 2, 2022
• May 5, 2022
• April 7, 2022
• March 3, 2022
• February 17, 2022
• February 3, 2022
• January 20, 2022
• January 6, 2022

• The month during which a commercial account is due for testing varies from account to account
• The due date is noted on the test notification letters received by the customer beginning 3 months prior to the deadline
• The due date is always set for the 15th of the assigned month, which remains the same each year
• A customer may request a different reoccurring month to better fit the customer’s yearly schedule

TVWD’s drinking water sources are low risk for PFAS contamination based on data collected to-date. In general, ground water systems close to known or suspected PFAS usage areas (such as certain types of manufacturing, military, or aviation related fire suppression foams) are most at risk for PFAS. Water supplied to the TVWD distribution system is almost exclusively surface water with only seasonal usage of groundwater.  

• As part of UCMR3, TVWD tested for PFAS over a 12-month period beginning in 2014 and ending in 2015. No PFAS were detected in our drinking water sources, including seasonal groundwater.
• PFAS testing was also performed from 2013 to 2015 for TVWD’s future Willamette River source through the cities currently using this water source, the Cities of Wilsonville and Sherwood. No PFAS compounds were detected. 
• As part of UCMR5, TVWD completed an expanded 12-month monitoring period for PFAS, which began in July 2023 and concluded in April 2024. No PFAS were detected in our drinking water sources during this period, including seasonal groundwater.

All regional drinking water providers must complete their monitoring for this expanded list of PFAS by the end of 2025 under the UCMR5 program, including the Cities of Wilsonville and Sherwood currently using the Willamette River as their source. TVWD will share these results as they become available from our supply partners.  

TVWD Engineering and Water Resources staff must review and approve the system hydraulics of the area surrounding a hydrant before it is approved for temporary metered water access.  Additionally, hydrants on commercial properties, often painted red, are prohibited for use to access water.

The quickest way to determine if a possible water quality concern at your home is related to water supply integration or an issue within the TVWD water system is by checking the System Outages and Leaks page. You can also check our Hydrant Flushing page to determine if we are flushing near your home, which can stir up sediment and cause discolored water. If you are still unsure, contact Customer Service at 503-848-3000 or CustomerService [at] TVWD.org (CustomerService[at]TVWD[dot]org). 

Water quality concerns that are most likely due to water supply integration are due to the changes in water chemistry during the process of integration. When these sources temporarily mix, it may disturb organic materials and sediment that have built up in your home plumbing over time, which can temporarily impact water quality. More information on water quality expectations during water supply integration can be found here.

Flush Your Home Plumbing

Before using water for drinking or cooking, run the tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes, or until the water feels colder. This flushes out water that may have been sitting in your pipes and potentially contains lead.

Use Cold Water Only

• For Cooking and Baby Formula: Always use cold, fresh water. Hot water dissolves lead more easily, so avoid using it for drinking, cooking, or preparing baby formula.

Test Your Water for Lead

TVWD offers free in-home lead testing kits for residential customers via the Portland Water Bureau. These kits include additional information about reducing lead exposure. To request a kit:

• Visit the Portland Water Bureau's Request a Lead Testing Kit Web page
• Call (503) 988-4000.

Consider Using a Lead-Reducing Filter

If tests reveal elevated lead levels in your water:

• Purchase a filter certified for lead removal by NSF/ANSI Standard 53 or 58.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper installation, maintenance, and timely filter replacement to ensure continued effectiveness.
• Important: Boiling water does not remove lead – it can actually concentrate it further.

Test Your Child for Lead Exposure

The only way to determine if your child has been exposed to lead is through a blood test. Consult your physician, visit Leadline.org , or call (503) 988-4000 to find out how to have your child tested for lead.

Clean Your Faucet Aerators

Particles containing lead from solder or household plumbing can collect in faucet aerators. Clean aerators every few months to remove trapped particles and minimize exposure.

Choose Low-Lead Fixtures

When replacing plumbing fixtures:

• Look for products with the lowest lead content.
• Since January 2014, all pipes, fittings, and fixtures are required to contain less than 0.25% lead.

Typically, once per calendar year.

The State and TVWD require backflow assemblies be tested under five circumstances:

1. At the time of installation
2. After any repairs to an assembly
3. If the assembly is relocated
4. Annually (once per calendar year)
5. After a backflow incident

Residential customers must have a passing backflow test report submitted by September 1st each year.

The Willamette Water Supply System is one of the largest public water infrastructure projects in Oregon’s history. An additional water source and new infrastructure allow the region to more easily adapt to future challenges. The benefits of the program are:

• High-quality water. New infrastructure delivers water that is treated at a new, state-of-the-art treatment facility using the latest technology. 
• Ready for Growth. Washington County is forecasted to grow more than 30% by 2050. WWSS expands our region’s water supply options so residents have a reliable water source as the population increases. 
• Earthquake resilient. A major earthquake could compromise our drinking water systems. The new treatment facility, pipelines, and storage facilities are constructed to better withstand a large-scale earthquake and restore water services more quickly after shaking stops. 
• Adaptable.  Today, heat waves, stronger storm events, and wildfires are more common. New infrastructure and an additional water source help our region adapt to unforeseen climate challenges. 
• Locally Owned. Local ownership means local control. Washington County’s urban water agencies can operate independently to best serve local customers’ needs. 

Yes, it is safe to take a bath or shower, but be careful not to get any water in the mouth. Use caution when bathing infants and young children. Consider giving them a sponge bath to reduce the chance of them swallowing water.

Do you have questions about water rates, the Willamette Water Supply System, water efficiency, or other aspect of your water system? We would like to come to you to answer your drinking water related questions.

An emergency outage is an unplanned disruption in water service caused by unexpected events or issues that require immediate attention to restore service, such as water main breaks, accidents, or weather events. Depending on the situation and the areas affected, we may also contact you through:

• Email*

*NOTE: We will use the email address currently on file in our billing system. To update that information:

• Visit: Customer Self-Service Portal
• Call: (503) 848-3000 
• Email: customerservice [at] tvwd.org (Customer Service Team)

TVWD offers several convenient water bill payment options, including in person, by phone or mail, online, or with automatic payments (through TVWD or your bank/credit union bill pay). Choose the option that works best for you.

Water Residential Volume Block 1: Water usage charge for up to 28 CCF* (residential customers) or up to 1.4 times the 12-month moving average (commercial and multi-family customers).

Water Residential Volume Block 2: Water usage charge for more than 28 CCF (residential customers) or more 1.4 times the 12-month moving average (commercial and multi-family customers). 

Water Residential Fixed Charge: Drinking water charges regardless of how much water used.

Sewer Base Charge: Sewer charges regardless of how much water is used.

Sewer Usage Charge: Sewer charges based on the average winter water consumption from November through April.

Surface Water Charge: Supports enhancing and maintaining the public drainage system, help managing roadway flooding, responding to flooding emergencies, and protecting the health of the Tualatin River and its urban tributaries.

Water Dispatch Fee: Charged when water service is shut off for non-payment.

Snowbird Turn Off: Charge for turning off a water meter while customers are enrolled in the Snowbird program.

Water Remove Meter: Charge for removing a water meter to prevent unauthorized water use.

Water Illegal Use: Charge for unauthorized water use.

Water Lock Meter Charge: Charge for locking a water meter to prevent unauthorized water use.

Returned Payment: Charge for a payment that did not process and was returned by a financial institution.

Backflow Gold Plan Fee: Charge for participating in the Backflow Prevention Gold Plan Program.

Backflow Enforcement Fee: Charge for not having a backflow prevention assembly device pass annual testing by the enforcement date.

Right of Way: Charged by a city (Beaverton, Hillsboro or Tigard) for locating pipes and other infrastructure within the public rights-of-way.

Water Leak Adjustment (Rec): After repairing and applying for a water leak adjustment, a credit to your bill for the excess water used during the leak.

Water Volume Charge (Rec): Other adjustments to your bill, such as a credit/debit for a water meter misread or true up for a previous estimated bill.

Water Volume Adjustment - Assuming of Unbilled Charges: Water used at a premises with no active person during a period of time.

If your water appears discolored, follow these steps:

Let’s start with your COLD-WATER system.

• Turn off all taps inside your home. Then, open all spigots on the outside of your home. Run water at each spigot, one-by-one, until it runs cooler and clearer, then turn them all off.
• Next, go inside. Turn on the cold water at your kitchen sink until it runs cooler and clearer. Repeat this turning on the tap one-by-one at each bathtub, sink, and shower in your home.
• If your home has multiple stories, start downstairs and move up one level at a time. Repeat this process until you’ve flushed all the taps in your home.
• If discolored water persists in one tap, continue to flush that tap until water appears clearer.
• For fastest results, flush your toilets often so the water turns clear more quickly.
• Remember that discolored toilet water might be a result of cleanliness in the bowl and may not be a result of the new water supply.
• If you don’t use your taps for several weeks, discoloration might return. In this case, you can repeat the flushing process. 

If your hot water is discolored, you can flush that system in the same way.  

• Turn on the hot water at each tap one at a time. Let each run until it’s clear. If your home has multiple stories, start downstairs and move up one level at a time.
• If water continues to run hot but remains discolored, your water heater may need to be flushed. In that case, you should contact a licensed plumber to flush the water heater tank. 

These steps are for a single-family home. If you live in an apartment or condo, contact your maintenance representative for help.

If your water does not clear after these steps, contact TVWD at (503) 848-3000.

During integration, your home may experience temporary changes to your water’s taste, smell, or color as the new water replaces the water TVWD has historically served. These changes are temporary and will settle out after approximately two weeks with the new water supply. These changes are largely due to two factors: a different type of drinking water disinfectant and different water treatment and filtering processes between the Portland water and new Willamette Water Supply. 

Temporary Changes

• Slight changes in taste or odor: The water served to your home could have a different or noticeable, but safe, change in flavor or smell. It might taste or smell slightly different, like chlorine or minerals.
• Cloudy or discolored water: When water sources are mixed, it can cause harmless organic particles to become more visible. You might see a temporary cloudiness or slight discoloration, especially when taps are first turned on.
• Pressure fluctuations: Some customers might experience minor changes in water pressure as the water system adjusts.

Lasting Changes

• Subtle taste differences: Over time, the new water supply may lead to a permanent, but minor, change in the overall taste of your water due to the different water sources being served. This is a natural result of the new supply blend.
• Improved water quality: With more robust and reliable treatment, the overall quality of your drinking water may improve, offering better consistency and safety long-term.

Please note: homes built in the 1970s or older, with original home plumbing, are more likely to experience these changes to their water than newer homes or those with plumbing recently replaced. The higher likelihood of changes in older homes is due to the build up of organic materials inside your home's plumbing and fixtures over time in addition to the types plumbing materials commonly used in older homes.

Organic materials that build up inside older plumbing over time can be released by the change in water characteristics with the new water source. Older plumbing, specifically galvanized pipes, can cause temporary water discoloration in your home when the new water supply enters your home. 

The potential for lead to be released from plumbing joints or fixtures from this era is also possible. This can occur from materials that are no longer allowed per plumbing code but could still be used in homes from the 1980s or older, such as brass containing lead.

The Oregon Health Authority has determined that the public does not need to take additional precautions at this time. There is currently no evidence of an increased health risk to the general public given the low levels of Cryptosporidium detected.

However, if you have a weakened immune system you should seek medical advice from your health care provider. Examples of people with weakened immune systems include those with HIV/AIDS; those with inherited diseases that affect the immune system; and cancer and transplant patients who are taking certain immunosuppressive drugs.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has estimated that a small percentage of the population could experience gastro-intestinal illness from Cryptosporidium and advises that customers who are immunocompromised and receive their drinking water from the Bull Run Watershed consult with their healthcare professional about the safety of drinking the tap water. 

Special districts are limited purpose local governments – separate from cities and counties. Within their boundaries, special districts provide focused public services such as supplying water (Tualatin Valley Water District), fire protection (Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue), and parks and recreation (Tualatin Hills Parks and Rec). 

If you experience changes in the taste, smell, or color of your water, follow these steps to flush your home plumbing and bring in fresh water. Please note: these steps are for a single-family home or duplex. If you live in an apartment or condo, contact your maintenance representative for help.

Let’s start with your COLD-WATER system.

• Turn off all taps inside your home. Then, open all spigots on the outside of your home. Run water at each spigot, one-by-one, until it runs cooler and clearer, then turn them all off.
• Next, go inside. Turn on the cold water at your kitchen sink until it runs cool and clear. Repeat this turning on the tap one-by-one at each bathtub, sink, and shower in your home.
• If your home has multiple stories, start downstairs and move up one level at a time. Repeat this process until you’ve flushed all the taps in your home.
• If discolored water persists in one tap, continue to flush that tap until water appears clear.
• For fastest results, flush your toilets often so the water turns clear more quickly.
  • Remember that discolored toilet water might be a result of cleanliness in the bowl and may not be a result of the new water supply.

If your hot water is discolored, you can flush that system in the same way.  

• Turn on the hot water at each tap one at a time. Let each run until it’s clear. If your home has multiple stories, start downstairs and move up one level at a time.
• If water continues to run hot but remains discolored, your water heater may need to be flushed. In that case, you should contact a licensed plumber to flush the water heater tank. 

If you don’t use your taps for a few days, or your home has older plumbing, you may need to repeat the flushing process.  

If flushing your plumbing does not improve the taste, smell, or color of your water, please contact TVWD for assistance with potential water quality concerns.

Download a copy of the home flushing instructions here.

TVWD proposed a phased  water rate increase. The initial increase of $15.53 per month for a typical single-family residence took effect on November 1, 2023. The second increase, to take effect on November 1, 2024, will be an additional $15.04 per month for a typical single-family residence. The typical single-family residence has a 5/8-inch water meter and uses 5,236 gallons of water, or 7 CCF (hundred cubic feet) per month. Individual water bills will vary based on meter size and individual usage.

*Note: One CCF equals 100 cubic feet of water, or 748 gallons. 

*Note: One CCF equals 100 cubic feet of water, or 748 gallons. 

TVWD proposed a phased water rate increase:

• The initial increase of $3.01 per month for a typical single-family residence took effect on November 1, 2025. 

• The second increase will take effect on November 1, 2026, and be an additional $3.11 per month for a typical single-family residence. 

The typical single-family residence has a 5/8-inch water meter and uses 5,236 gallons of water, or 7 CCF (hundred cubic feet) per month. Individual water bills will vary based on meter size and individual usage.

*Note: One CCF equals 100 cubic feet of water, or 748 gallons. 

*Note: One CCF equals 100 cubic feet of water, or 748 gallons. 

Payment for a truck/tank inspection must be made either prior to the appointment over the phone or provided to a TVWD Representative while on site.

• Call 503-848-3000 and ask for our Water Quality Department
• Portland Water Bureau’s Cryptosporidium Monitoring Results
• Oregon Health Authority’s Cryptosporidium Website
• Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Cryptosporidium Website
• Joint Water Commission Cryptosporidium Website
• Willamette Water Supply Program Treatment Process

TVWD’s Customer Service team is ready to assist and answer questions about the water supply integration process. During the integration timeline, Customer Service will be available and ready to assist you. 

• 503-848-3000
• CustomerService [at] TVWD.org (CustomerService[at]TVWD[dot]org)

TVWD bills most customers every other month (or bi-monthly) to help save on costs. This approach reduces expenses for meter reading, postage, and mailing, allowing us to keep our operations efficient and water rates as low as possible.

Hay dos líneas para cargos por volumen de agua en la factura real para replicar el uso durante los dos ciclos de facturación. Si los cuatro meses se sumaran en una sola línea, sería más probable que los clientes ingresaran en las tarifas del Bloque 2, que es un cargo por volumen que recupera el costo del tamaño del sistema de agua que se requiere para satisfacer la demanda máxima de agua.

Un CCF equivale a 748 galones. CCF equivale a 100 pies cúbicos de agua.

Clase Residencial Unifamiliar:

Bloque 1 = Uso de agua hasta 28CCF cada dos meses (28CCF = 20,944 galones)

Bloque 2 = Todos los consumos superiores a 28 CCF cada dos meses.

Clase Comercial y Todas las Demás Clases:

Bloque 1 = Uso de agua hasta el 140% del promedio móvil de 12 meses

Bloque 2 = Todo el consumo excede el umbral del Bloque 1

• October 25, 2021
• July 26,2021
• April 26, 2021
• January 25, 2021

• December 2, 2021
• November 4, 2021
• October 7, 2021
• September 2, 2021
• August 5, 2021 
• July 1, 2021
• June 3, 2021
• May 6, 2021 
• April 1, 2021
• March 4, 2021
• February 4, 2021
• January 7, 2021

On April 10, 2024, EPA announced the final National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) for six PFAS including PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, HFPO-DA (commonly known as GenX Chemicals), PFHxS, and PFBS. The regulation requires public water systems to:

• Monitor for the six regulated PFAS;
• Notify the public of the levels of these PFAS; and
• Reduce the levels of these PFAS in drinking water if they exceed the proposed standards.

Tap water combined with dish soap can be used to wash dishes, utensils and cookware but boiled or bottled water should be used for rinsing them. You can also use disposable plates, cups and utensils.

Yes. To make a payment by phone, call (844) 331-8344. Payments can be processed using Visa, MasterCard, Discover, debit card, or E-check.

Payments can also be made in person, by mail, online, or with automatic payments (through TVWD or your bank/credit union bill pay).

TVWD fluoridates the District's main service area of Cooper Mountain, Aloha, Cedar Mill, and the West Hills as a result of a customer vote in 1963. TVWD’s Metzger service area is not fluoridated as Metzger customers never voted to fluoridate their water when we merged. Customers voted to fluoridate the water to help prevent cavities and other dental related diseases. Visit our Fluoride page for more information. 

TVWD offers a variety of options to help you with your water bill. Visit our Bill Assistance web page for more information.

For apartment complexes and commercial buildings affected by a water outage, TVWD will work directly with property managers and building owners to help them share the information with residents and tenants. 

• TVWD Water Quality Report Email Notification Signup
• Portland Water Bureau Cryptosporidium Updates Signup

Start by turning on all faucets in your home. If some faucets have normal water flow and others do not, the problem is likely a frozen pipe along the line that supplies water to the non-working faucets. If you suspect freezing, take immediate steps to locate and thaw the pipe safely.

The treatment process for your drinking water depends on its source. Water from the Portland Water Bureau and the Joint Water Commission undergoes different treatment methods to confirm it meets all safety and quality standards. For more information, visit our Water System Treatment and Monitoring page.

Upon successful completion of the payment, the permit placard will be provided to the driver who can then exit TVWD Headquarters and begin access to bulk water at designated "green cap" hydrant locations only. A map will be provided.

Typical loan/usage period is up to six months.  TVWD reserves the right to remove the hydrant meter at any time for improper use and when the loan/usage period ends.  Renewals/Extensions may be considered depending on hydrant meter demand (wait list).

TVWD staff are available to schedule commercial customer site inspections to assist with verifying assembly locations and installations, as well as identifying other areas of cross connection concern.

Please email backflow [at] tvwd.org (backflow[at]tvwd[dot]org) for requests such as:

• Add internal ID tag numbers to assembly descriptions to assist with assembly inventorying
• Update assembly information
• Determine testing due date
• Obtain test report history
• Determine outstanding tests
• Obtain previous tester information
• Other inquiries

Water quality in the Willamette River has significantly improved since the 1970s after the passage of landmark environmental legislation, including the Clean Water Act. 

Over several decades, the mid-Willamette River near Wilsonville has proven to be a high-quality drinking water source. For more than 20 years, the City of Wilsonville has trusted the river for their drinking water, which consistently meets or exceeds drinking water standards. 

The Willamette River is unique in that it flows south to north. Water for the WWSS is drawn at the intake facility in Wilsonville, which is 30 miles upstream (south) of the City of Portland. Further, Willamette Falls in Oregon City lies between the City of Portland and Wilsonville serving as a natural barrier between the two portions of the river.

Community Action of Washington County 

Community Action leads the way to eliminate conditions of poverty and create opportunities for people and communities to thrive. Washington County's residents are strong, resilient, involved in the community, and live with dignity and security. 

211.org

211 is a vital service which connects people to expert caring help. Get a resource or referral online or by phone by dialing 2-1-1.

Acción Comunitaria del Condado de Washington 

Community Action es la agencia líder en el camino para eliminar las condiciones de la pobreza y crear oportunidades para que las personas y las comunidades prosperen. Los habitantes del condado de Washington son fuertes, resilientes, están involucrados en la comunidad y viven con dignidad y seguridad. 

211.org

211 es un servicio vital que conecta a las personas con ayuda atenta y experta. Obtenga un recurso o referencia en línea o por teléfono marcando 2-1-1.

Got an upcoming event? Reserve our FREE TapWater bottle fill station today. The TapWater Bar is perfect for:

• Corporate Events
• Community gatherings
• Reducing single-use bottles and cups

In older homes with galvanized pipes, discoloration may result from the plumbing itself. This is often noticeable:

• First thing in the morning, or after long periods of low or no water use.
• At seldom-used faucets.

To resolve this type of discoloration, please follow the steps below.

Let’s start with your COLD-WATER system.

• Turn off all taps inside your home. Then, open all spigots on the outside of your home. Run water at each spigot, one-by-one, until it runs cooler and clearer, then turn them all off.
• Next, go inside. Turn on the cold water at your kitchen sink until it runs cooler and clearer. Repeat this turning on the tap one-by-one at each bathtub, sink, and shower in your home.
• If your home has multiple stories, start downstairs and move up one level at a time. Repeat this process until you’ve flushed all the taps in your home.
• If discolored water persists in one tap, continue to flush that tap until water appears clearer.
• For fastest results, flush your toilets often so the water turns clear more quickly.
• Remember that discolored toilet water might be a result of cleanliness in the bowl and may not be a result of the new water supply.
• If you don’t use your taps for several weeks, discoloration might return. In this case, you can repeat the flushing process. 

If your hot water is discolored, you can flush that system in the same way.  

• Turn on the hot water at each tap one at a time. Let each run until it’s clear. If your home has multiple stories, start downstairs and move up one level at a time.
• If water continues to run hot but remains discolored, your water heater may need to be flushed. In that case, you should contact a licensed plumber to flush the water heater tank. 

These steps are for a single-family home. If you live in an apartment or condo, contact your maintenance representative for help.

If you suspect a frozen pipe, check which faucets aren’t working. Use a hair dryer or vacuum cleaner exhaust to thaw the pipe gently. Never use an open flame. 

If you are unable to locate the frozen pipe or if there’s no water at all, contact TVWD at (503) 848-3000 or by customerservice [at] TVWD.org (email) for assistance. Be prepared for potential leaks once the pipe thaws and know how to shut off your water.  

Backflow assemblies which are not tested annually pose a greater risk to the customer's home and the public water system.  Due to the seriousness of this risk, the State authorizes water purveyors to discontinue water service until it is determined the risk is no longer present.

Your water use is measured by a water meter. TVWD reads the meter regularly to calculate your bill based on your actual usage.

If we can’t read a water meter for any reason, such as inclement weather, we will send you an estimated bill based on your past water consumption for the same period in previous years. Once TVWD can read the meter again, your next bill will be adjusted to reflect your actual water use. Visit our Estimated Bills Explained webpage for more information.

Some customers may notice changes in their water’s taste, smell, or color from integration of the new water supply. These changes are largely temporary and due to two factors: a different type of drinking water disinfectant and different water treatment and filtering processes between the Portland water and new Willamette Water Supply. 

Historically, TVWD served its customers from two water sources: water purchased from the Portland Water Bureau which is unfiltered and disinfected with chloramine, and water from its co-ownership in the Joint Water Commission, which is filtered and disinfected with free chlorine. Replacing the Portland water that is unfiltered and disinfected with chloramine can temporarily create changes in your water’s taste, smell, or color for a during integration when the new water source is introduced to the larger TVWD water system as well as your home’s plumbing. 

These two water sources have blended in the TVWD water system historically, at times creating taste, smell, or color changes that are described by some as undesirable, yet this water is safe to drink. 

As TVWD completes the water supply integration, it’s important to know that water from the Willamette Water Supply and Joint Water Commission, the two sources of water for TVWD starting in mid-2026, are both filtered and disinfected by free chlorine. These two water supplies share very similar water characteristics, which allows them to serve your home without any adverse smell, taste, and color when compared to TVWD’s prior blending of water sources. 

"Water supply integration" refers to when new water is introduced into an existing drinking water system. In other words, treated Willamette River water will flow into TVWD's existing pipelines and be delivered to your homes.

All drinking water supplies have unique characteristics, and changes in supply may be perceptible to some, but not all, customers.

TVWD will begin delivering to customers as early as late-2026, taking a phased approach, meaning some customers will receive water from the new supply before others. TVWD will communicate with you before integration occurs. 

TVWD is governed by a five person Board of Commissioners elected to four-year terms. More information about our Board of Commissioners can be found here.  

Water rates are essential to fund current improvement projects throughout TVWD’s service area. These investments will protect your water system for future generations:

• Improve the ability of your water system to withstand major earthquakes and other emergencies.  
• Replace aging water pipes, reservoirs, and pump stations.
• Interest and loan payments on money borrowed for the construction of the Willamette Water Supply System, the partnership between TVWD and the cities of Hillsboro and Beaverton to provide an additional, seismically resilient water supply source.

Periodically water utilities need large investments for construction projects to continue providing customers with reliable, resilient, and safe water. An investment cycle of this scale for TVWD represents a generational-scale investment in TVWD’s water system. When these construction projects occur, the costs to design and build new infrastructure require additional rate increases. The key elements of the 2023-2025 capital improvements are:

• Construction of the Willamette Water Supply Program, a new, joint-owned water source for Washington County scheduled to begin operation in 2026.  
• In-District investments to replace aging water pipes, reservoirs, and pump stations, including seismic resiliency to withstand major earthquakes and other emergencies.
• Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) to improve TVWD’s ability to collect frequent and accurate water usage data for improved billing, leak detection, and water resource management.

Just like your household costs, our costs for utilities, workforce, supplies, and construction are increasing. The current rates are not able to cover the increased costs. Since 2020, the cost of the Willamette Water Supply Program construction has increased by $321 million, with TVWD’s portion being $220 million . The next two years will be the peak spending period for the Willamette Water Supply Program as all components are currently in a construction phase or recently completed. 

Other TVWD cost increases include a 26% increase in the cost for wholesale water from the City of Portland and increased electrical costs to pump water throughout the system.

If you suspect your water bill is higher than it should be, here are a few common causes of higher-than-normal water bills:

Increased water use

• Watering your lawn or garden, turning on your sprinkler system.
• Hosting additional guests at your house.
• Filling a swimming pool, hot tub, or outdoor water feature.
• Using more water during hot weather.
• Cleaning or power washing.
• Repairing, remodeling or construction activities that used water.

Water leaks

Some leaks are silent and unnoticeable, especially those in toilets and irrigation systems. 

• Detect a water leak.

Rate increases

Most residential customers are jointly billed by Tualatin Valley Water for drinking water services and Clean Water Services or the City of Beaverton for sewer and surface water management services. Rates for both utilities increase, usually every year. New drinking water rates are effective November 1, and new sewer/surface water management rates are effective July 1. 

• TVWD Rate Process
• TVWD Residential Drinking Water Rates
• TVWD Commercial Drinking Water Rates
• Clean Water Services Sewer and Surface Water Management Rates
• City of Beaverton Sewer and Surface Water Management Rates

Misread meters

If our billing system suspects a meter read is higher or lower than it should be, it is automatically flagged and our customer service representatives are notified. 

To check for a misread water meter:

1. Locate your water meter.
2. Lift the cover to see the dial, record the numbers.
3. Compare what’s on the dial to the numbers listed on the back of your bill. However, please be aware the numbers will naturally be higher due to regular water usage between when the meter was read and when you are checking for the misread meter.

If you don’t have access to your meter or you note a discrepancy, minus what has been reasonably used since the last time your meter was read, contact us at customerservice [at] tvwd.org (customerservice[at]tvwd[dot]org) or (503) 848-3000.

During integration, your home may experience temporary changes to your water’s taste, smell, or color as the new water replaces the water TVWD has historically served. These changes are temporary and will settle out after approximately two weeks with the new water supply. These changes are largely due to two factors: a different type of drinking water disinfectant and different water treatment and filtering processes between the Portland water and new Willamette Water Supply. 

Temporary Changes

• Slight changes in taste or odor: The water served to your home could have a different or noticeable, but safe, change in flavor or smell. It might taste or smell slightly different, like chlorine or minerals.
• Cloudy or discolored water: When water sources are mixed, it can cause harmless organic particles to become more visible. You might see a temporary cloudiness or slight discoloration, especially when taps are first turned on.
• Pressure fluctuations: Some customers might experience minor changes in water pressure as the water system adjusts.

Lasting Changes

• Subtle taste differences: Over time, the new water supply may lead to a permanent, but minor, change in the overall taste of your water due to the different water sources being served. This is a natural result of the new supply blend.
• Improved water quality: With more robust and reliable treatment, the overall quality of your drinking water may improve, offering better consistency and safety long-term.

Please note: homes built in the 1970s or older, with original home plumbing, are more likely to experience these changes to their water than newer homes or those with plumbing recently replaced. The higher likelihood of changes in older homes is due to the build up of organic materials inside your home's plumbing and fixtures over time in addition to the types plumbing materials commonly used in older homes.

Organic materials that build up inside older plumbing over time can be released by the change in water characteristics with the new water source. Older plumbing, specifically galvanized pipes, can cause temporary water discoloration in your home when the new water supply enters your home. 

The potential for lead to be released from plumbing joints or fixtures from this era is also possible. This can occur from materials that are no longer allowed per plumbing code but could still be used in homes from the 1980s or older, such as brass containing lead.

TVWD calcula el uso de agua cuando el personal no puede leer de forma segura su medidor de agua, como durante condiciones climáticas inclementes, o cuando otros factores, como la escasez de personal o un medidor inaccesible, impiden que el Distrito complete la lectura del medidor según lo programado.

• October 26, 2020
• July 27, 2020
• April 27, 2020
• January 27, 2020

• December 3, 2020
• November 5, 2020
• October 1, 2020
• September 3, 2020
• August 6, 2020
• July 2, 2020
• June 4, 2020
• May 7, 2020
• April 2, 2020
• March 17, 2020
• March 5, 2020
• February 6, 2020
• January 9, 2020

Yes. Visit the Customer Self-Service Portal to set up online billing in the self-service portal and pay your bill online.

• Log in to the portal.
• Choose Make a Payment from the Payments drop down menu.
• Choose your payment method (bank account or credit card) and input the amount and date.
• Click Continue and follow the prompts.

For assistance, contact TVWD’s Customer Service Team at (503) 848-3000 or by customerservice [at] TVWD.org (email). 

Payments can also be made in person, by phone or mail, or with automatic payments (through TVWD or your bank/credit union bill pay).

Dishwashers with a sanitizing cycle can be used to wash dishes. If your dishwasher does not have a sanitizing cycle, do not use it.

At TVWD, we are dedicated to providing water that meets and is often better than state and federal regulatory standards. For most households, additional filtration is unnecessary. However, some customers may choose to use a filter based on personal preferences or specific concerns related to their home plumbing.

Improving Taste and Odor

If you’re looking to enhance the taste or odor of your water—especially to reduce the smell or taste associated with disinfectants—standard carbon filters are a practical and effective choice. These filters are commonly found in faucet-mounted systems, refrigerator dispensers, and countertop units.

Reducing Lead Levels

While the water delivered by TVWD is free of lead when it leaves our facilities, older homes with lead pipes or fixtures may introduce lead into the water. If you suspect this is an issue, consider filters certified under NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for lead reduction or NSF/ANSI Standard 58 for reverse osmosis systems. These certifications confirm the filter’s effectiveness in reducing lead levels.

Addressing Additional Impurities

For those interested in reducing substances like fluoride or other substances not removed by carbon filters, reverse osmosis systems may be a suitable option. These systems are designed to address a wider range of contaminants.

Our Commitment to Quality

At TVWD, we take pride in delivering safe, high-quality water. If you have questions about your water or want to learn what type of filter might suit a specific concern, we encourage you to contact us.

A small subset of customers are billed monthly, but TVWD does not offer monthly or equal billing to customers who are billed every 60 days.

Are you able to financially assist a neighbor in need with paying their water utility bill? Any amount helps, and some customers simply round up their online bill and donate the difference. While that's often only a few cents, it adds up and every penny counts to those in need. We sincerely thank you for all donations!

Donate While Paying Your Bill Online

Customers who pay their TVWD bills online can donate money to the Customer Emergency Assistance Program. If you would like to donate, please do so when paying your bill online.

Mail a Check to TVWD's Customer Emergency Assistance Program

To donate to this program by check, please mail a check to:

Tualatin Valley Water District Customer Emergency Assistance Program
1850 SW 170th Ave.
Beaverton, OR 97003

Donate to Community Action

Community Action is a Washington County-based organization that provides a variety types of assistance to those who need it, including financial assistance for an assortment of utility bills. You can donate to Community Action by visiting their website.

After years of study and analysis, the mid-Willamette River near Wilsonville was identified as the preferred choice for an additional water source. 

Several water sources were evaluated, including raising the dam at Hagg Lake, constructing new Columbia River groundwater wells, and purchasing water from other water agencies. After thoughtful analysis, the Willamette River was determined to be a high-quality water source that offers the most community benefits at the lowest cost when compared to alternatives. 

Visit our Long Term Water Supply Options Technical Memos page for more information.

A recent news article suggests that detectable amounts of PFAS may be present in at least 45% of the United States drinking water supplies, according to a recently released multi-year study by the US Geological Survey (USGS). The data from the study indicate PFAS concentrations and the frequency of the detections varied greatly by region, with a significant number of detections occurring in drinking water supplied by groundwater in regions where military sites and/or certain types of manufacturing facilities are in close proximity to a municipal water source.   

The USGS study included at least ten sites in Oregon, representing public and private water supplies sourced from both surface and groundwater sources. A single 1.76 parts-pe- trillion (ppt) detection of PFHxA (a PFAS mixture) was found among the sites sampled in Oregon. While PFHxA is not included in the EPA’s proposed Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), the concentration of PFHxA detected in the Oregon sample is below the 4.0 ppt MCL for PFOA and PFOS as individual contaminants and below the hazard index for PFAS mixtures. 

The USGS study does not provide an exact location for the single Oregon detection other than indicating it was from a public water supply in the Portland area. While the presence of a detection is concerning, we are reassured by the fact that it was a single low-level detection relative to the rest of the dataset from the study. 

TVWD strictly adheres to approving permits for tanks with proper air gaps.  An approved air gap will have a physical separation between the free flowing discharge end of a potable water supply pipeline and an open or non-pressure receiving vessel/tank. The approved air-gap separation shall be as least twice the diameter of the supply pipe measured vertically above the overflow rim of the tank.  A 2-1/2 inch fill pipe will require, at minimum, a 5 inch distance from the very end of the fill pipe to the highest portion of the fill tank opening.

Water mains are underground pipes in the street that carry treated drinking water from a water treatment plant to various locations within TVWD's water service area. Water service lines are the smaller pipes that connect a customers’ home or business to the water main beneath the street.  

Mains and service lines can break for several reasons, including:

• Aging infrastructure
• Corrosive soil conditions  
• Extreme cold weather conditions (freezing and thawing)  
• Natural disasters
• Tree roots
• Accidental construction or excavation damage
• Shifting/settling of the ground 

If you are planning on digging for outdoor and construction projects, be sure to have your water, gas, electric and other utility lines marked by calling 811 or visiting Dig Safely Oregon's website.   

Alternate water sourcing, such as metered water service, should be made to accommodate water needs beyond the six month temporary metered water period.  Renewals/Extensions may be considered depending on hydrant meter demand (wait list).

Most often, cloudy or milky water is caused by tiny air bubbles, not sediment. This happens because water under pressure holds dissolved air, which is released when the pressure drops as water exits your faucet. Cold water exacerbates this condition, as it holds more dissolved air than warm water.

Cloudy water typically clears on its own after sitting for a short time and is not a public health concern. Air in water can also occur after certain system repairs or flushing activities.

For more information about water quality and discolored water, visit our Water Quality FAQs page.

The Willamette Water Supply Program  is a partnership of TVWD and the cities of Hillsboro and Beaverton. This partnership is designing and constructing the Willamette Water Supply System to provide an additional, resilient water supply for Washington County. When complete, the Willamette Water Supply System will be one of Oregon’s most seismically-resilient water systems—built to better withstand natural disasters, protect public health, and speed regional economic recovery through restoring critical services more quickly. The new system will be completed by July 2026.

Cumulative Willamette Water Supply Program costs are anticipated to be $1.6 billion for planning, engineering, and construction. Oregon and Washington economies are benefiting from the Willamette Water Supply Program: 455 local businesses have worked on the Program, contributing $424 million to the local economy, or 78% of the project costs through 2022. 

 

Board meetings are usually held the third Wednesday of each month. Work sessions are usually held the first Tuesday of each month. However, they are subject to change based on holidays and special circumstances that conflict with meeting dates.  

The public is invited to attend these meetings. For dates, times and agendas, visit our Meetings page. 

Only individual, apprentice plumbers, or journeyman plumbers who have satisfactorily completed a State of Oregon, Oregon Health Authority approved backflow assembly tester training course and hold a current and valid State certification may test backflow assemblies.

TVWD's Board of Commissioners adopted ordinance 1-01 in 2001, requiring a public vote before Willamette River water could be served to District customers. However, the Board determined that satisfactory public debate and discussion about the Willamette River as a water source had occurred, and adopted ordinance 01-13, which repealed ordinance 1-01. Visit or Resolutions, Rules and Ordinances Web page to read the text of the ordinances.

¿Puede Usted ayudar financieramente a un vecino necesitado a pagar su factura de agua? Cualquier cantidad ayuda y algunos clientes simplemente redondean su factura en línea y donan la diferencia. Si bien esto suele ser sólo unos pocos centavos, la suma de cada centavo cuenta para quienes lo necesitan. ¡Agradecemos sinceramente todas las donaciones!

Done Mientras Paga su Factura en Línea

Los clientes que pagan sus facturas de TVWD en línea pueden donar dinero al Programa de Asistencia al Cliente en Caso de Emergencia. Si usted desea donar algo, hágalo al pagar su factura en línea.

Envíe un Cheque al Programa de Asistencia al Cliente de TVWD en Caso de Emergencia 

Para donar a este programa mediante cheque, envíe un cheque por correo a:

Tualatin Valley Water District Customer Emergency Assistance Program
1850 SW 170th Ave.
Beaverton, OR 97003

Donar a la Agencia Community Action

Community Action es una organización con sede en el condado de Washington que brinda una variedad de tipos de asistencia a quienes la necesitan, incluyendo asistencia financiera para una variedad de facturas de servicios públicos. Usted puede donar a Community Action visitando su sitio web.

Visite nuestra página web de detección de fugas (en Inglés) o llámenos al 503-848-3000.

• October 28, 2019
• July 29, 2019
• April 29, 2019
• January 28, 2019

• December 5, 2019
• November 7, 2019
• October 28, 2019
• October 3, 2019
• September 5, 2019
• August 6, 2019
• July 3, 2019

Yes. Mail your completed payment coupon and check or money order to:

Payment Processing Center
P.O. Box 4780
Portland, OR 97208-4780

Payments can also be made in person, by phone, online, or with automatic payments (through TVWD or your bank/credit union bill pay).

TVWD offers a snowbird program so customers can temporarily suspend water and sewer fixed charges while they are away from the property for an extended period of time:

• Minimum of 60 days off: To qualify, your service must be turned off for a minimum of 60 days. There is a $120 charge to cover the additional services related to turning off/on your meter which is applied on your return bill.
• Maximum of 12 months: After twelve months, contact us to re-establish full service or to make further arrangements.
• Reduced Billing: While enrolled, you will not be billed fixed water or sewer charges, but you will continue to be billed surface water charges. You may receive a prorated bill for services prior to the snowbird start date.
• Reactivation: Reactivation will automatically be scheduled based on the date that you requested during enrollment. If you need to change this date, please contact us at least one business day prior. 

For more information or to sign up, call (503) 848-3000.

During a typical year, TVWD mails backflow testing reminder letters to residences for which we do not have record of a passing annual backflow assembly test report.  First notices are mailed in March.  If needed, second notices are mailed in May, and third/urgent notices are mailed late July.

Residential customers are required to have a passing test report on file by September 1st each year. Customers are encouraged to have their backflow assemblies tested well before the deadline, to allow time if a repair or replacement is needed.

Contact customer service by email at %20customerservice [at] tvwd.org (customerservice@tvwd.org) or by calling 503-848-3000. Our Customer Service Lobby is open Monday –  Friday from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. It is located at 1850 SW 170th Avenue in Beaverton.  

This project represents a $1.6B investment in our region’s health and economic vitality. Project funding comes from a combination of loans, grants, reserves (savings), and customer rates. The cost of the project will be spread over decades, meaning future customers will help pay for the benefits, and costs are shared by all three project partners (TVWD and the cities of Hillsboro and Beaverton).

Pets have some innate protection for this type of water contamination. However, some people will prefer to boil and then cool water for their pets to drink for safety.

Water outages can be caused by:

• Previously scheduled water system maintenance, repair, and upgrades.
• Emergency water system repair, such as water main or water service line breaks, accidents, or weather events. 

If you suspect a leak inside your home, turn off your main water valve immediately to prevent further damage. 

For your safety and to prevent damage, please do not tamper with or attempt to use the shut-off valve at your water meter. This valve is for utility use only. 

For outdoor leaks or water issues beyond your property, contact TVWD at (503) 848-3000 or by customerservice [at] TVWD.org (email) for assistance.

Each water tank truck or trailer must possess its own hydrant wrench and a chapman (gate) valve.  Both these items must  present at the time of inspection.

When filling, install the chapman valve with the valve closed.  Using only a hydrant wrench, open the hydrant valve fully.  Use the chapman valve to regulate the flow. After filling has been completed, close the chapman valve, then close the hydrant valve.  Do NOT over tighten the hydrant valve.

Staff is working to limit rate increases, control costs, and reduce the impact of inflation and overall budget needs by:

• Actively seeking state and federal assistance to help fund capital improvement projects.
• Coordinating and combining purchasing and construction with other jurisdictions for cost efficiency.
• Aggressive competitive bidding processes.
• Analyzing opportunities to delay or defer projects where possible.
• Using long-term debt  through tools like the Federal Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act to secure low-interest loans as well as bond financing. 

Staff is working to limit rate increases, control costs, and reduce the impact of inflation and overall budget needs by:

• Effectively managing its operating budget to save almost $14 million during the last budget biennium (2021-2023).
• Actively seeking state and federal assistance to help fund capital improvement projects.
• Coordinating and combining purchasing and construction with other jurisdictions for cost efficiency.
• Aggressive competitive bidding processes.
• Analyzing opportunities to delay or defer projects where possible. 
• Using long-term debt  through tools like the Federal Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act to secure low-interest loans as well as bond financing. 

Payment for a hydrant meter must be made prior to deployment.  The initial payment includes the related administration fees plus a deposit.  At the end of the loan/usage period, water usage and daily fees are subtracted from the deposit amount.  Any remaining balance from the deposit will be returned via a check.  Should water usage exceed the deposit and/or if the hydrant meter is damaged, TVWD will retain the deposit and invoice the additional cost.

TVWD will change water supply in 2026 from the PWB to the Willamette River, which will be treated at a state-of-the-art multi-stage treatment processes, including filtration which will remove Cryptosporidium oocysts.  

The Willamette River water will be treated in a state of the art, multiple barrier plant.

The Portland Water Bureau (PWB) does not currently treat for Cryptosporidium. Portland is working to install filtration by September 2027 under a compliance schedule with Oregon Health Authority because treatment is required by drinking water regulations.  Information about the Bull Run Filtration plant are available at: https://www.portland.gov/water/bullruntreatment/filtration  

Portland Water Bureau (PWB) has implemented interim measures such as watershed protection and additional monitoring to protect public health. When detections are elevated, PWB consults with public health officials. At this time, public health consultation has concluded for the elevated detections in January 2023, and customers do not need to take any additional precautions.  Please see information for immunocompromised customers.

• October 29, 2018
• July 30, 2018
• April 30, 2018

Inspected and permitted tanks may only access water from TVWD's green cap hydrants.  A map will be provided during the inspection.

Yes, it is safe to do laundry as usual.

Yes. TVWD’s Office at 1850 SW 170th Avenue, Beaverton, OR 97003 is open for in-person payments Monday through Wednesday, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The office location is served by TriMet:

• Bus: 52 - Farmington/185th to PCC Rock Creek (ID 6993)
• MAX Train: Elmonica/SW 170th Ave (ID 9829)

Payments can also be made by phone or mail, online, or with automatic payments (through TVWD or your bank/credit union bill pay).

TVWD can help ensure that water is flowing from your water meter, assist you in locating the main shut-off valve to your home, and turn off the shut-off valve at your water meter.

However, we are unable to repair frozen pipes inside your home or between the water meter and your house. For assistance with internal frozen pipes, contact a plumber.

Project funding for TVWD's potion comes from low-interest loans, grants, TVWD's savings, and customer rates. Federal loan re-payment will be spread over decades, meaning current and future customers help pay for this project. TVWD has increased rates in past years to help fund project planning, engineering and construction, which is nearly complete. You can get the latest information about our rates at 2025-2027 water rates here. 

Project funding for the City of Hillsboro and City of Beaverton portions are available at their respective websites. 

As long as a backflow assembly is installed, it is required to be tested annually.  The longer non-potable water sits in an irrigation system, or any other non-potable water source, the greater the risk of pollutants or contaminants being introduced to those systems.  Water in dormant sprinkler system may sit for years.  During a backflow event, that water would be introduced into customers' homes as well as the public water system.

TVWD posts open positions on our Jobs page. 

The hardness or softness of water is determined by its mineral content, primarily calcium and magnesium. Hard water contains higher levels of these minerals, while soft water has lower levels. These naturally occurring minerals not only influence water hardness but also affect other aspects of water chemistry, such as its taste and how it interacts with household plumbing and appliances. 

For more information about water hardness, mineral content, and how these factors affect your water, visit our System Water Chemistry page.

• Store Extra Water: Keep a supply of bottled water or fill containers with water for drinking, cooking, and basic hygiene needs (e.g., washing hands, flushing toilets).
• Check for Notifications: Stay informed by checking for updates from TVWD through email, text messages, or this webpage, especially if there's a planned outage or if one occurs unexpectedly.
• Have Backup Plans: If you rely on water for medical needs (e.g., dialysis, oxygen equipment), make sure you have a backup plan in place to get the water you need during an outage.
• Prepare for Toilet Use: Consider having a backup for flushing toilets, such as a bucket of water, in case the outage lasts for an extended period.
• Know How Long the Outage Will Last: If it's a planned outage, try to find out the expected duration so you can plan your water usage accordingly. Emergency outages may take longer to resolve. 

TVWD recognizes that customers may experience financial hardships that limit the ability to pay a utility bill. TVWD has systems to help customers in a time of need:

• A Customer Assistance Program provides eligible customers a 20% discount on the drinking water portion (both fixed and usage charges) of their water bill.
• A Customer Emergency Assistance Program provides eligible customers with a one-time per year credit toward their water bill balance.
• Extended payment arrangements provide you with more time to pay. Extended payment arrangements can be requested via the new Customer Service Portal or by phoning customer service.

More information on both programs can be found at Bill Assistance Programs or contact Customer Service at 503-848-3000 and a TVWD representative can assist you.

TVWD recognizes that customers may experience financial hardships that limit the ability to pay a utility bill. TVWD has systems to help customers in a time of need:

• A Customer Emergency Assistance Program provides eligible customers with a one-time per year credit toward their water bill balance. 
• Extended payment arrangements provide you with more time to pay. Extended payment arrangements can be requested via the new Customer Service Portal or by phoning customer service.

More information on both programs can be found at Bill Assistance Programs or contact Customer Service at 503-848-3000 and a TVWD representative can assist you.

In 2022, the Rate Advisory Committee provided the TVWD board with recommendations for additional affordability programs for low-income customers. Those recommendations are in review for future implementation.

Once approved, hydrant meters will only be delivered and installed on select days during normal business hours.  TVWD staff will install, test the backflow assembly, and lock the hydrant meter to the hydrant.  Please anticipate two to five business days from the approval of your request before the hydrant meter is installed.

TVWD bills most customers every 60 days (or bi-monthly) to help save on costs. This approach reduces expenses for meter reading, postage, and mailing, allowing us to keep our operations efficient and water rates as low as possible.

Yes. TVWD offers an automatic payment option, which allows your payment to be automatically deducted from your bank account each month. 

To set up automatic payments:

1. Visit the online Customer Self-Service Portal and choose to pay with a debit or credit card or checking account.
2. Fill out and return the online EFT Authorization Form (PDF) to TVWD to have payments deducted directly from your bank account.
3. Contact Customer Service at (503) 848-3000 or by customerservice [at] tvwd.org (email).

Additionally, many banks and financial institutions offer their own online bill payment services. Contact your bank to learn about these options.

Payments can also be made in person, by phone or mail, or online.

TVWD collects system development charges (SDCs), one-time fees paid by any new development, to help fund the construction or expansion of necessary infrastructure, like larger water mains, relocation of existing water system components to avoid conflict with development, adding fire hydrants for protection, and total system capacity to supply water to the growing community. These charges take the burden off existing customers and help keep water rates more affordable.

TVWD collects system development charges (SDCs), one-time fees paid by any new development, to help fund the construction or expansion of necessary infrastructure, like larger water mains, relocation of existing water system components to avoid conflict with development, adding fire hydrants for protection, and total system capacity to supply water to the growing community. These charges take the burden off existing customers and help keep water rates more affordable.

TVWD only offers 12-month hydrant permits.

• Hydrant valves must only be operated with a hydrant wrench.
• Hydrant valves should be opened “fully” when in use and closed at the end of each day.
  • Hydrant valves are not designed to regulate flow.
  • TVWD's hydrants are considered ‘dry barrel’ hydrants with weep holes to drain the water when the valve is closed.
  • Opening the hydrant partially will allow fully system pressure to shoot out the weep holes undermining the dirt/rock fill supporting the hydrant.
• Use the gate valve to regulate water flow as needed.
• When the hydrant valve is closed, the reduced pressure valve on the hydrant meter backflow assembly will dump water to drain.
  • This will prevent freezing damage if the weather drops below freezing.
• If you suspect the hydrant meter may have frozen, contact TVWD staff to assess.  Do NOT tamper with the hydrant meter.

Learn more about the Willamette Water Supply Program (and our other water sources) on our Water Sources page. 

Lead is typically not present in the source waters that supply your drinking water. Trace amounts of lead can be attributed to the natural erosion of minerals and rocks within the watershed. Additionally, TVWD’s water system does not contain lead pipes, and the water treatment processes applied at the source do not introduce lead.

However, lead may still be present in your drinking water because of certain home plumbing materials. The most common source of lead in this context is lead solder, which was widely used prior to 1986 to connect copper pipes. Lead can leach into the water through contact with these materials.

TVWD conducts annual testing of high-risk homes as part of its compliance with the EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule. While the majority of homes tested consistently have lead levels below the EPA’s action level, some homes with confirmed lead solder in their plumbing have exceeded this threshold.

For current lead testing results, more information about reducing lead exposure, or to request a kit to test your home for lead, visit our Lead Reduction page.

The State and TVWD require all non-potable water sources, such as irrigation/sprinkler systems, have backflow protection.

Atmospheric Vacuum Breakers (AVBs) provide backflow protection (when installed properly to code) and are not subject to annual testing requirements.  AVBs do however, require regular inspection to ensure they are functioning properly.

In some instances, TVWD does not have record of a customer's backflow assembly and we are unable to send reminder letters to those customers about the annual testing requirements.  In addition, the customer may not familiar with backflow protection and its importance.

• Keep Faucets Off: Keep all faucets turned completely off.  Water outages may stir up sediment or debris in the pipes. If faucets are on when the water returns, these particles could be pushed into your plumbing fixtures, affecting water quality.
• Use Stored Water: Use the water you've stored in advance for drinking, cooking, and hygiene.
• Don't Use the Dishwasher or Washing Machine: These appliances can waste water during an outage and can also break if the water supply is turned back on suddenly.
• Check for Updates: Stay informed by checking this webpage for updates and estimated restoration times. 

Water usage does not need to be tracked or reported.

Yes. TVWD offers several bill assistance programs for eligible customers, including:

• Long-term payment agreements.
• A 20% discount off the drinking water portion (both fixed and usage charges) of their water bill for 24 months.
• Credit for to up to 28 CCFs of water and fixed charges towards their water balance for a 12-month period.

To learn more and check if you qualify, either:

• Visit the Bill Assistance Programs webpage, or
• Contact Customer Service at (503) 848-3000 or by customerservice [at] tvwd.org (email).

Turn on a faucet and check if water starts flowing again. If clear water begins to flow normally, then your service has likely been restored. If no water comes out, turn off the faucet completely, wait a few minutes, and try again. 

If you’re unsure, contact TVWD’s Customer Service Team for confirmation:

• Call: (503) 848-3000 
• Email: customerservice [at] tvwd.org (TVWD Customer Service Team)

The Portland Water Bureau supplies one of TVWD’s two sources of water. Water from the Bull Run watershed is currently unfiltered. TVWD’s other source, the Joint Water Commission, treats for Cryptosporidium by filtering the water to remove turbidity. Removing turbidity is the best protection against Cryptosporidium, since the cysts containing the Cryptosporidium are also removed in the filtering process. Our Willamette Water Supply Program source beginning in 2026 will also treat for Cryptosporidium.

Per Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 333-061-070 and Tualatin Valley Water District (TVWD) rules and regulations, TVWD is authorized to discontinue water service to premises for:

(A) Failure to remove or eliminate an existing unprotected or potential cross connection;

(B) Failure to install a required approved backflow prevention assembly;

(C) Failure to maintain an approved backflow prevention assembly; or

(D) Failure to conduct the required testing of an approved backflow prevention assembly.

This conveys the seriousness the State and TVWD place on the safety of the public water system.

Water rates are based on a fixed monthly charge and a volume charge based on how much water a customer uses. The fixed monthly change is based on the meter size, which determines the amount of water that can flow to your home or business: the larger the meter, the greater the flow. The volume charge is based on the amount of water consumed.

Customers who use water in excess of peak water volumes are charged a higher volume charge for the water that exceeds the peaking factor (the peak water use divided by the average daily water use). The reason this additional water costs more is that the water system has to be sized to deliver the higher volumes even if that higher amount is only used once in a while. Having a water rate structure that is broken down by blocks, or amounts of water that people typically use, recovers the costs for oversized infrastructure from only those customers that use it.

In addition to paying their fair share of water usage, new homes and businesses must also pay a system development charge (SDC) to connect to the water system. A typical home within a subdivision would pay more than $9,500, per home, to connect to the water system at the time the home is constructed. A business or large meter customer pays SDCs based on their estimated water use. After the service is in operation, TVWD verifies the customer's actual use. In cases where a commercial customer is using more water capacity than they paid for when the SDC was paid, an additional bill for the actual water capacity in use is collected.

Water rates are based on a fixed monthly charge and a volume charge based on how much water a customer uses. The fixed monthly change is based on the meter size, which determines the amount of water that can flow to your home or business: the larger the meter, the greater the flow. The volume charge is based on the amount of water consumed.

Customers who use water in excess of peak water volumes are charged a higher volume charge for the water that exceeds the peaking factor (the peak water use divided by the average daily water use). The reason this additional water costs more is that the water system has to be sized to deliver the higher volumes even if that higher amount is only used once in a while. Having a water rate structure that is broken down by blocks, or amounts of water that people typically use, recovers the costs for oversized infrastructure from only those customers that use it.

In addition to paying their fair share of water usage, new homes and businesses must also pay a system development charge (SDC) to connect to the water system. A typical home within a subdivision would pay more than $9,500, per home, to connect to the water system at the time the home is constructed. A business or large meter customer pays SDCs based on their estimated water use. After the service is in operation, TVWD verifies the customer's actual use. In cases where a commercial customer is using more water capacity than they paid for when the SDC was paid, an additional bill for the actual water capacity in use is collected.

Legionella is a type of bacteria found in water that can cause Legionnaires' disease, a serious form of pneumonia. It thrives in warm, stagnant water, particularly in large buildings with complex plumbing systems, such as those in schools, hospitals, office buildings, and apartment complexes. These systems, often characterized by extensive pipe networks and areas of low water flow, can create conditions that support Legionella growth.

In smaller residential properties, such as single-family homes, the risk is generally much lower due to simpler plumbing systems and more frequent water usage. 

In larger buildings maintaining water quality is crucial. Building managers can take steps to reduce the risk of Legionella, including flushing unused water lines, maintaining appropriate water temperatures, and routinely inspecting and cleaning water systems.

For more information, visit our Prevention of Legionella page. 

You can help a TVWD customer in need by donating to the Customer Emergency Assistance Program. Any amount helps, even rounding up your online bill by a few cents can make a difference. 

• Donate Online: When paying your water bill online through the Customer Self-Service Portal, you can easily contribute to TVWD’s Customer Emergency Assistance Program.
• Donate by Check: Mail checks to: 
  Tualatin Valley Water District Customer Emergency Assistance Program
  1850 SW 170th Avenue
  Beaverton, OR 97003

Community Action also accepts donations to help Washington County residents. Learn more about donating. 

TVWD receives revenue from a variety of sources:

• Customer water rates, based on fixed and volume charges.
• System development charges paid by new development.
• Payments from partners for their share of capital project and operation costs, such as for the Willamette Water Supply Program.
• State and federal loans such as the federal Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan.
• Revenue bonds.
• Reserves and grants, including interest income.
• Other revenue such as meter and service revenue, dispatch fees, backflow program reimbursement, contract reimbursement and other miscellaneous incomes.

TVWD receives revenue from a variety of sources:

• Customer water rates, based on fixed and volume charges.
• System development charges paid by new development.
• Payments from partners for their share of capital project and operation costs, such as for the Willamette Water Supply Program.
• State and federal loans such as the federal Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan.
• Revenue bonds.
• Reserves and grants, including interest income.
• Other revenue such as meter and service revenue, dispatch fees, backflow program reimbursement, contract reimbursement and other miscellaneous incomes.

The general rule is to include one gallon of water per person per day in your emergency kit. That assumes about half a gallon for drinking and another half-gallon to meet sanitation and food preparation needs. You may need to include more water in your kit if your household includes people with special needs or if you have pets.

Visit the Regional Water Providers Consortium Emergency Preparedness page for more information.

This is not a simple question to answer.  At a minimum, a hose bibb should have a hose bibb vacuum breaker or Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker (AVB). A hose bibb vacuum breaker is a threaded device that screws onto the spigot mouth. It prevents water from flowing backward into your pipe with a spring loaded check valve. This valve opens and closes based on the water pressure.

When the water flows, the pressure of the water pushes open the check valve in the hose bib backflow preventer. When you turn off the water, the pressure against the spring on the valve decreases, the valve closes, and air flows into the space around the valve. The air pressure and the spring keep water from seeping back into the spigot from the outside.

AVBs are the simplest and least expensive of devices intended to keep water from flowing back into the water lines. They operate by using the outside air pressure to close a check valve. When you turn on the water, the water pressure pushes open the water valve. When the water is off, the air pressure pushes down on the valve and blocks the pipe.

There are installation requirements for AVBs.  Atmospheric vacuum breakers require that they be installed at least 6-inches above all downstream piping and outlets. This is to eliminate the potential of backpressure. If the downstream piping or outlets are above the vacuum breaker then the resulting backpressure may flow back (backflow) through the vacuum breaker. In addition, there should not be any valves (shutoff valve or timers) downstream from the vacuum breaker.

Laying a hose on your lawn and attach a rotating or oscillating sprinkler head to the end of the hose is not a concern.  However, if your hose bibb is connected to an in-ground irrigation system or drip system piping, these are more permanent examples of an irrigation system and should be properly protected from backflow.  Our staff may discuss the details of your particular irrigation system and provide recommendations.

Permit placards must be visibly displayed when accessing bulk water.

It is possible you may notice bursts of air out of faucets along with water, particularly on higher floors of your home. This is normal and will clear after approximately one minute of running the water.  

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are human-made chemicals widely used in industrial and consumer products since the 1940s due to their resistance to water, heat, and grease. These chemicals can migrate into soil, water, and air during production and use, and are known for breaking down extremely slowly, leading to long-term environmental persistence.

TVWD last tested for PFAS in April 2024, and no PFAS were detected in our water. For more details, visit our PFAS and Your Drinking Water page.  

As a public entity, we are unable to recommend one company over another. We suggest searching the internet and reading online business reviews.  Family, friends, and neighbors may also be a good source for finding a backflow testing company.

The State of Oregon, Oregon Health Authority offers a listing of certified backflow assembly testers, however the list is very extensive and does not provide business information for each tester.

No. TVWD specializes in providing drinking water services. Your sanitary sewer and stormwater services are managed by a different utility provider.

However, we partner with Clean Water Services and the City of Beaverton to co-bill for our water services and their sanitary sewer and surface water services. This partnership offers greater convenience for our shared customers and helps reduce costs.

• Use food-grade water storage containers: Purchase clean, food-grade water storage containers, such as plastic bottles or tanks, specifically designed for storing water.
• Keep water in a cool, dark place: Store water in a cool, dark area to prevent contamination and deterioration. Avoid storing water near chemicals or cleaning products.
• Seal containers tightly: Ensure that the containers are sealed tightly to prevent contamination.
• Rotate your water supply: Water should be replaced every six months to ensure its freshness. Mark your containers with the date of storage for easy rotation.

Visit the Regional Water Providers Consortium Emergency Preparedness page for more information.

Once water service is restored, run cold water through your faucets for at least two minutes to clear the lines.

• If the water pressure seems low or inconsistent, give it a few minutes to stabilize as the system re-pressurizes. Also check your faucet screens for trapped particles.
• If the water is discolored or there’s debris, run the cold water from an outside hose bib or a cold-water faucet (typically located on the left side of a dual-handle faucet system) for one to two minutes to flush out any air or sediment in the pipes. Avoid washing laundry while the water is discolored. Wait until the water runs clear at the tap, then wash a load of dark clothes first. Visit our Discolored Water page for more information.
• If there’s an unusual taste or odor in the water after service is restored, it's best to wait a bit longer for the system to stabilize. If it persists, contact TVWD by calling (503) 848-3000 or emailing the customerservice [at] tvwd.org (Customer Service Team).

Everybody can make a difference by using water more efficiently without much effort or lifestyle change. With a leak or wasted water, you’re paying for something that you’re not using. Small water use changes in the kitchen, laundry room and bathroom can reduce how much water you use every day.

You can help reduce water use and still have beautiful, healthy landscapes with outside landscaping and irrigation strategies. While it may not seem like much, it all adds up. Learn specific strategies to help conserve water on our conservation page. 

Everybody can make a difference by using water more efficiently without much effort or lifestyle change. With a leak or wasted water, you’re paying for something that you’re not using. Small water use changes in the kitchen, laundry room and bathroom can reduce how much water you use every day.

You can help reduce water use and still have beautiful, healthy landscapes with outside landscaping and irrigation strategies. While it may not seem like much, it all adds up. Learn specific strategies to help conserve water on our conservation page. 

Temporary changes to the smell or taste of your water can be caused by several reasons. For more information, visit our why does my water sometimes taste or smell different web page. 

Pink film (or slime) in sinks, toilets, and showers is caused by airborne bacteria, commonly Serratia marcescens, thriving in moist, humid environments.  The bacteria commonly form small colonies, also called “biofilms” which appear in sink drains, create rings around toilet bowls, and may also be visible on surfaces in a shower. It is not related to water quality. Regular cleaning with chlorine-based products, reducing moisture, and improving ventilation can help prevent its occurrence. For additional information visit our Common Surface Residues page.

It is the responsibility of the permit holder to renew the bulk water permit prior to the expiration date.  Filling from a hydrant with an expired permit will be considered unauthorized hydrant use and subject to the related fines.

Traditional toilets with tanks will flush one time after an outage starts. To flush again, refill the tank on the back of the toilet. We recommend reserving water in buckets, pots, etc. before the water outage to fill your toilet tank for flushing. Toilets without tanks that are connected directly to plumbing in the wall will not flush during an outage. 

While you can store water in clean, empty bottles or containers, it’s important to make sure the containers are food-safe and thoroughly cleaned before filling them. Avoid using containers that have previously held non-food items, as they may not be safe for storing drinking water.

If you have paid a testing company to perform your annual backflow assembly test, you should not be receiving our reminder notices.  Before contacting TVWD:

• Verify the test took place in the current year.  Annual tests are required once per calendar year, not once every 12-months.
• Contact your testing company to make sure they electronically submitted the passing test report to TVWD.
  • Testers/testing companies may not be aware of who your water provider is.  They may have sent the test report to neighboring water providers (the cities of Beaverton, Hillsboro, Portland, Tigard, or Tualatin).
  • Your backflow assembly may have failed and follow up (with your testing company) is needed.
  • Your testing company may not have the ability to electronically submit test reports to TVWD.

If your HOA or Property Management company coordinates your annual test, you may need to reach out to them to ensure the test took place.

Cryptosporidium is a parasite that can cause cryptosporidiosis, a serious illness. Symptoms can include diarrhea, vomiting, fever and stomach pain. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people with severely weakened immune systems are at risk for more serious disease. Symptoms may be more severe and could lead to serious or life-threatening illness. Examples of people with weakened immune systems include those with AIDS; those with inherited diseases that affect the immune system; and cancer and transplant patients who are taking certain immunosuppressive drugs. Health care providers and clinical laboratories are required by law to report cases and suspect cases of cryptosporidiosis to local health departments within one working day of identification.

Discolored drinking water can occur for several reasons, and while it may be unpleasant, it is not necessarily unsafe. Common causes include issues with home plumbing, routine water system maintenance, or nearby activity such as fire hydrant use. Discolored water is often described as yellow, brown, or rust-colored. Discoloration can also be associated with the water source due to seasonal changes. For more information about the potential causes of water discoloration, visit our Discolored Water: Causes and Solutions page.

Low water flow or pressure can result from several factors, both within your home and the broader water system. The most common causes include:

• Clogged Faucet Screens: Particles or sediment can accumulate in aerators or faucet screens, restricting water flow.
• Home Plumbing Issues: Older or corroded pipes in your home’s plumbing can also contribute to reduced water flow.
• Pipe Leaks or Breaks: Leaks or breaks in pipes, whether in your home or within TVWD’s water system, can reduce water pressure.
• System Maintenance or Repairs: Scheduled maintenance, repairs, or flushing activities in your area may temporarily affect water pressure.

If you experience sudden or persistent low water flow or pressure, check faucet screens for debris and inspect visible pipes for leaks. If the issue persists, contact TVWD at (503) 848-3000 for assistance.

Water will not be fluoridated at the Willamette Water Supply System water treatment plant, however, individual water providers may add fluoride when it enters their distribution system. For information on fluoridation for the three partner agencies, please contact them directly:

Tualatin Valley Water District

(503) 848-3000 | TVWD Fluoridation Website

City of Hillsboro

(503) 615-6702 | City of Hillsboro Fluoridation Fact Sheet

City of Beaverton

(503) 526-2222 | City of Beaverton Fluoridation Website

If you are storing water in commercial bottles or new, clean containers, it’s not necessary to treat the water. However, if you plan to reuse containers or bottles, make sure they are cleaned thoroughly before filling them with tap water. You may also treat the water with unscented liquid chlorine bleach (1/8 teaspoon per gallon) to disinfect it, if necessary.

Visit the Regional Water Providers Consortium Emergency Preparedness page for more information.

Access the online Customer Self-Service Portal to pay your utility bill and access account information. 

Water outages can vary from 20 minutes to 12 hours or more depending on the work being completed.  

For planned water outages, email, phone, and door notices will state the estimated water outage duration. While TVWD and its contractors strive to complete the work within the stated time, there are times when a longer outage may be required due to unforeseen circumstances.  

Water hardness will largely remain the same or decrease slightly when Willamette water replaces the existing Portland supply purchased by TVWD. Currently, water hardness is seasonally influenced when Portland mixes groundwater into their supply, which increases its overall hardness (expressed as grains per gallon or carbonate alkalinity). Once Willamette water is served to customers, this seasonal blend will no longer occur. This will result in consistently soft water, year-round. The Willamette supply is also comparable to TVWD's other source, the Joint Water Commission, which is also considered soft and will continue to serve TVWD customers. More information on current water hardness is available here. 

We understand the concern about data centers as more of them are being developed across our region. These facilities can use significant amounts of water depending on their size. However, in TVWD's service area, data centers are part of the commercial category and commercial customers make up 2% of our customers and use a small share of the total water we provide. Residential growth is outpacing commercial growth in our service area. Data centers pay for the water they use under the same rate structure as residents, plus system development charges which developers are required to pay TVWD when developing new buildings. Their usage is billed accordingly so that residential customers do not take on that cost burden. 

Please read our Data Centers and TVWD Water Use fact sheet for more information about data centers in TVWD's service area.

Customer Service is available to assist you:

• Monday through Wednesday: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Thursday and Friday: 8 a.m.to 4 p.m.

Contact us by:

• Phone: (503) 848-3000
• customerservice [at] tvwd.org (Email)
• In-Person (Lobby): 1850 SW 170th Avenue, Beaverton, OR 97003

The TVWD system is engineered for resilience. Our goal is to minimize service disruptions and restore water supply swiftly whenever interruptions occur. We achieve this through a multi-pronged approach:

• Enhanced Infrastructure: Investing in robust, modern infrastructure less prone to failures.
• Diversified Sources: Utilizing the new Willamette Water Supply System, a seismically resilient regional source coming online in 2026, alongside multiple existing water sources.
• Regional Collaboration: Leveraging interconnections and agreements with neighboring agencies for resource sharing during emergencies.
• System Redundancy: Implementing backup systems, automated controls, and the ability to reroute water flow within the system.
• Proactive Preparedness: Conducting regular disaster drills and training to ensure a rapid and effective response to any disruptions.

TVWD Customer Service:  

• During Business Hours (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
  • Call: (503) 848-3000
  • Email: customerservice [at] tvwd.org (Customer Service Team)
• After-Hours Assistance and Emergencies
  • Call: (503) 848-3000 

TVWD Customer Service is available Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. We are closed on weekends and holidays.

Start or stop water service by either:

• Filling out the form* on our Start/Stop Service webpage, or
• Contacting Customer Service at (503) 848-3000 or by customerservice [at] tvwd.org (email).

*Before filling out the online form, confirm TVWD is your water provider using the online Drinking Water Provider Look Up Tool.

Conservation Technician Steve Carper provided instruction and tips for getting the most out of your irrigation controller and turning on your irrigation system.

• Video recording
• PowerPoint Presentation

Resources

• Spring Irrigation Maintenance Checklist
• Outdoor Water Conservation
• Irrigation Maintenance Video
• Backflow Prevention
• Gold Plan Residential Backflow Testing Program
• TVWD Residential Rebates

Everyone in your household should know how to quickly shut off the water in case a pipe breaks. Visit our Shutting Off Your Water webpage for step-by-step instructions on finding your main water shut-off valve, turning off the valve, and what to do if you can’t find the valve or need help.

Field Customer Service Lead Mike Etienne and Conservation Technician Steve Carper provided timely tips to help keep your pipes from freezing, what you should do if your pipes freeze or break, and how to prepare your automatic irrigation system for winter weather.

• Video recording
• PowerPoint Presentation

Resources

• Cold Weather Preparation Tips
• Emergency Preparation Tips

TVWD offers a snowbird program so customers can temporarily suspend water and sewer fixed charges while they are away from the property for an extended period of time:

• Minimum of 60 days off: To qualify, your service must be turned off for a minimum of 60 days. There is a charge to cover the additional services related to turning off/on your meter which is applied on your return bill.
• Maximum of 12 months: After twelve months, contact us to re-establish full service or to make further arrangements.
• Reduced Billing: While enrolled, you will not be billed fixed water or sewer charges, but you will continue to be billed surface water charges. You may receive a prorated bill for services prior to the snowbird start date.
• Reactivation: Reactivation will automatically be scheduled based on the date that you requested during enrollment. If you need to change this date, please contact us at least one business day prior. 

There is a fee for participating in this program - see Exhibit B - Other Services charges and Penalties 1e: All Snowbird Turnoffs. For more information or to sign up, call (503) 848-3000.

CEO Paul Matthews, Willamette Water Supply Program Director Dave Kraska, P.E., and Chief Financial Officer Justin Carlton discussed what services your water rates fund, why rate increases are needed and what is being done to contain costs. Both events featured the same presentation followed by a Q&A.

• Presentation 1, September 9, 2025 video recording
• Presentation 2, September 10, 2025 video recording
• PowerPoint Presentation

Resources

• Water Rates Process
• Current Residential Water Rates
• Current Commercial Water Rates

TVWD crews could be in your neighborhood for a variety of reasons, such as:

• Reading water meters.
• Maintenance, repair, or installation of new water infrastructure.
• Water quality testing.
• Water system upgrades or installations.
• Emergency response or leak detection.
• Preventative maintenance or inspections.

To learn more, visit our Projects webpage for ongoing construction updates or check our Outages webpage for planned or emergency water service outages. 

We understand the concern about data centers as more of them are being developed across our region. These facilities can use significant amounts of water depending on their size. However, in TVWD's service area, data centers are part of the commercial category and commercial customers make up 2% of our customers and use a small share of the total water we provide. Residential growth is outpacing commercial growth in our service area. Data centers pay for the water they use under the same rate structure as residents, plus system development charges which developers are required to pay TVWD when developing new buildings. Their usage is billed accordingly so that residential customers do not take on that cost burden. 

Please read our Data Centers and TVWD Water Use fact sheet for more information about data centers in TVWD's service area.

Conservation Technician Steve Carper and Senior Water Quality Inspector Kahlil Howell provided instruction and tips for turning on your irrigation system, setting your irrigation controller, and the importance of backflow prevention assembly and its required annual testing.

• Video recording
• PowerPoint Presentation

Resources

• Spring Irrigation Maintenance Checklist
• Outdoor Water Conservation
• Irrigation Maintenance Video
• Backflow Prevention
• Gold Plan Residential Backflow Testing Program
• TVWD Residential Rebates

Engineering Associate Marisa Cummins and Engineering Division Manager Sarah Alton hosted an informative presentation about why TVWD replaces water mains and how we determine which water mains need to be to replaced. 

• Video recording
• PowerPoint Presentation

Resources

• Getting water to you
• Active construction projects
• Willamette Water Supply System

CEO Paul Matthews, Willamette Water Supply Program Director Dave Kraska, P.E., and Chief Financial Officer Justin Carlton discussed what services your water rates fund, why rate increases are needed and what is being done to contain costs. Both events featured the same presentation followed by a Q&A.

• Presentation 1, September 30, 2024 Video recording
• Presentation 2, October 10, 2024 Video recording
• PowerPoint Presentation

Resources

• Water Rates Process
• Current Residential Water Rates
• Current Commercial Water Rates

Field Customer Service Lead Mike Etienne and Customer Service and Billing Specialist Jesus Monje Oregon talked about how to safely shut off your water in an emergency, how a water meter works, how you can help keep utility workers safe on the job, and three other common questions TVWD receives.

• Video recording
• PowerPoint Presentation

Resources

• Cold Weather Preparation Tips
• Shutting Off Your Water
• Keep Meters and Hydrants Clear
• Bill Assistance Programs

CEO Tom Hickmann, P.E., Willamette Water Supply Program Director Dave Kraska, P.E., and Chief Financial Officer Paul Matthews discussed what services your water rates fund, why rate increases are needed and what is being done to contain costs. Both events featured the same presentation followed by a Q&A.

• Open House 1, August 2, 2023 Video recording
• Open House 2, August 17, 2023 Video Recording
• PowerPoint Presentation

Resources

• 2023 Proposed Water Rates
• Current Residential Water Rates
• Current Commercial Water Rates

Senior Water Quality Inspector Kahlil Howell provided instruction and tips for turning on your irrigation system, setting your irrigation controller, and the importance of backflow prevention and required annual testing.

• Video recording
• PowerPoint Presentation

Resources

• TVWD Drinking Water Quality
• Water Quality Report (English)
• Water Quality Report (Spanish)
• TVWD Water Sources

Nathan Roder, lector del medidor, hablará sobre de dónde proviene su agua, cómo llevamos agua a su grifo, explique su factura de agua, y discutir la asistencia para facturas que está disponible.

• Grabación de vídeo
• Presentación de Powerpoint

Recursos

• https://linktr.ee/TVWDEspanol
• https://www.tvwd.org/portal

Joel Cary, Water Resources Division Manager discussed which TVWD service areas are fluoridated, how TVWD fluoridates your water and why TVWD will temporarily pause fluoridation for a few months due to construction on a critical water transmission main. 

• Video recording
• PowerPoint Presentation

Resources

• Fluoridation Changes to Water Service
• Water Quality
• Willamette Water Supply System

Puede ayudar a prevenir las tuberías congeladas y el daño por agua de las temperaturas frías tomando medidas simples en casa ahora. Fortino Izquierdo Ortiz, Especialista en Servicio al Cliente y Facturación, y Christina Rodriguez Walter, Administradora de Permisos y Extensión de la Willamette Water Supply Program, proporcionará consejos oportunos para ayudar a evitar que sus tuberías se congelen, información sobre lo que debe hacer si sus tuberías se congelan o se rompen, y cómo puede prepararse para las interrupciones en su servicio de agua.

• Grabación de vídeo
• Presentación de Powerpoint

Recursos

• https://linktr.ee/TVWDEspanol
• https://www.tvwd.org/portal

From a small water main break to the Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake, emergencies can happen at any time. Willamette Water Supply Director Dave Kraska and TVWD Emergency Program Coordinator Kevin Sutherland discussed what we are doing to prepare and how you can actively prepare for interruptions in your water service.  

• Video recording
• PowerPoint Presentation

Resources

• TVWD Emergency Preparedness Page
• Regional Water Providers Consortium Emergency Water Storage
• Oregon 2 Weeks Ready
• FEMA Mobile App
• Washington County Everbridge Emergency Alert System
• Red Cross
• Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan

Learn more about TVWD’s 209th and Farmington facility, an important project as we transition to the Willamette Water Supply System in 2026. Justin Dyke, Outreach and Engagement Coordinator and Andrew Barrett, Senior Project Engineer discussed the site’s future layout, functionality, and upcoming construction impacts. Presented January 19, 2022.

• Presentation Video
• PowerPoint Presentation

Resources

• 209th and Farmington Project Page
• 209th and Farmington Virtual Open House Page
• Willamette Water Supply Program

Are you concerned about how issues like earthquakes, climate change, drought, and pollution may affect your drinking water? Learn more about how we are preparing to keep the water delivered to TVWD customers safe and flowing even after a future Cascadia Subduction Zone Earthquake. Presented by  Tom Hickmann, Dave Kraska, and Joel Cary October 26, 2021.

• Presentation Video
• PowerPoint Presentation

Resources

• Inside Washington County on the Future of Water Podcast
• Willamette Water Supply System
• TVWD Water Quality

Learn more about the available water utility bill assistance programs, how you can sign up for long-term payment arrangements, and other community resources to help you get current on your bill. Presented by  Justin Dyke and Sharie Ashbrook September 16, 2021.

• Presentation Video
• PowerPoint Presentation

Resources

• TVWD's Bill Assistance Programs
• Oregon Emergency Rental Assistance Program
• Community Action Oregon of Washington County

Get an “under the street” and “inside the system” view of how your quality water is processed and delivered to you! Learn why water mains break, how we work to minimize inconveniences during planned and emergency shutdowns, and what you can do to keep things working or prepare for the rare cases when you would be without water service. Presented by Water Operations Division Manager Pete Boone on April 21, 2021.

• Presentation Video
• PowerPoint Presentation

Resources

• Your Water Sources
• Emergency Preparedness
• Shutting Off Your Water
• Water Quality

Watch a visual demonstration of the large diameter pipeline which will be used to bring water from the Willamette River to customers starting in 2026 via ESRI ArcGIS. Flyover views, interactive text and points of interest are enhanced features of the map created using ESRI ArcGIS, one of the leaders in the software mapping industry. Presented by Willamette Water Supply Program Geographic Information Systems Analyst Scott Fortman on March 24, 2021.

• Presentation Video
• PowerPoint Presentation

Resources

• Interactive Mapping Tool
• Willamette Water Supply Program

This event was designed for customers and consumers who wanted to learn more about the safety of drinking water and our water quality monitoring program. Presented by Water Resources Division Manager Joel Cary on July 16, 2020.

• Presentation Video
• PowerPoint Presentation

Resources

• TVWD Water Quality Report
• Water Quality Webpage