Salem Water Utility 2026: Bill Pay, Login & Phone

Salem OR • utility billing • water • wastewater • stormwater • streetlight • 2026 rates

Salem Water Utility Quick Desk: Pay, Log In, Call, Start Service or Report a Water/Sewer Emergency

This guide is for City of Salem, Oregon utility customers. Use it to open the official customer portal, pay by phone, find the correct Customer Care number, mail or drop off a payment, start or stop service, handle past-due or shutoff issues, understand 2026 water/wastewater/stormwater charges, request payment assistance, and report water, sewer or street emergencies through Public Works Dispatch.

Start Here: What Do You Need?

Online portalutilityaccount.cityofsalem.net

Customer Care503-588-6099

Phone payment1-833-735-2221

Emergency dispatch503-588-6311

User intent	Best official action	Have ready	Salem-specific detail
Pay Salem utility bill online	Use the City of Salem customer portal at utilityaccount.cityofsalem.net.	New utility account number, service address ZIP code / security code from bill, payment method.	The new billing system launched February 3, 2025, and customers received new account numbers.
Pay without registering	Use the portal’s One-Time Pay option.	Utility account number and security code from the upper-right side of the paper bill.	One-Time Pay does not require a login, but a portal account unlocks more account tools.
Create or recover a portal login	Use the Sign Up button on the portal or the City’s sign-up tutorial.	New account number, total amount due on last bill, email address and password.	If you only know your old account number, the sign-up page says to use the account-number lookup widget.
Ask a billing question	Call Utility Customer Care at 503-588-6099.	Account number, service address, bill date, payment confirmation, question summary.	Hours are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Pay by phone	Call 1-833-735-2221.	Account number, service address ZIP/security code, Visa or MasterCard payment method.	Telephone payment is available 24/7 and accepts Visa/MasterCard debit or credit cards.
Mail a payment	Mail to P.O. Box 2795, Portland, OR 97208-2795.	Payment stub, check or money order, account number on memo line.	Do not mail payment if service is already shut off or same-day restoration is needed.
Drop off payment	Use one of the official drop boxes listed below.	Check or money order, payment stub, account number.	Drop boxes accept check or money order. Use faster payment if the account is close to shutoff.
Start, stop or move service	Call Utility Customer Care at 503-588-6099.	Name, phone, start/stop address, possession date, forwarding address.	New accounts are charged a $25 New Account Activation fee.
Past-due, payment plan or shutoff	Call 503-588-6099 before the deadline.	Past-due amount, amount you can pay now, proposed payment date, assistance documents.	Bills are due 25 days after the billed date; after that, reminders and shutoff/collections notices may follow.
Water, sewer or street emergency	Call Public Works Dispatch at 503-588-6311.	Location, nearest cross street, description, photo if safe, contact details.	Public Works Dispatch operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Provider check: This page is for City of Salem, Oregon utility billing. If your bill says Salem, Virginia; Salem, New Hampshire; Salem, Utah; Salem, Massachusetts; Suburban East Salem Water; an apartment billing company; or an HOA, use that provider’s official portal instead.

Official Salem Utility Contact Box

🏢

Utility Customer Care

Phone: 503-588-6099

Email: utilitybilling@cityofsalem.net

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

💳

Payment Routes

Online: utilityaccount.cityofsalem.net

Phone payment: 1-833-735-2221

Mail: P.O. Box 2795, Portland, OR 97208-2795

🚨

Water / Sewer / Street Emergency

Public Works Dispatch: 503-588-6311

Email: service@cityofsalem.net

Use for water, sewer or street system issues that need City infrastructure response.

Official Salem links:

Utility Account Portal Payment Information Portal Sign-Up Help Manage Service Water/Sewer Emergency

Bill Pay and Login: Online, Phone, Mail, Drop Box and In Person

Online portal

Use for One-Time Pay, registered account access, water-usage history, paperless billing and digital wallet management.

Phone payment

Call 1-833-735-2221 for 24/7 telephone payment by Visa or MasterCard debit/credit card.

Drop boxes

Use City drop boxes for check or money order payments when immediate restoration is not needed.

In person

Pay at 440 Church St. SE, 5th Floor, Salem, OR during business hours.

Open the official portal

Go directly to utilityaccount.cityofsalem.net. Avoid sponsored or unofficial “Salem water bill” pages that ask for account and card details.

Choose Sign Up or One-Time Pay

Use One-Time Pay if you only need to pay now. Create a portal account if you want bills, account history, payment history, paperless billing, usage history, digital wallet and online forms.

Use the right account number

Salem changed account numbers with the February 2025 billing system. If you only have the old number, use the “Find my Account Number” / lookup process or call Utility Customer Care.

Save proof and check posting

Save the confirmation number, payment method, amount, date, account number and screenshot. If service is shut off or close to shutoff, call Customer Care after payment.

Payment method	Official detail	Best for	Important caution
Online portal	AutoPay or One-Time Pay through utilityaccount.cityofsalem.net.	Fast payment, account review and usage history.	AutoPay customers from the old system had to re-enroll because banking data did not transfer.
Portal payment methods	Payment information page lists Visa/MasterCard debit, Visa/MasterCard credit, Google Pay and PayPal; the new system FAQ also mentions Apple Pay and Venmo.	Customers who want a flexible digital payment option.	Verify the exact payment choices and fees shown on the payment screen.
One-Time Pay	Use the ONE TIME PAY button without registering.	Quick payment with account number and security code.	You need the utility account number and security code from the paper bill.
Phone payment	Call 1-833-735-2221.	24/7 phone payment by Visa/MasterCard debit or credit card.	Call Customer Care if a phone payment is meant to restore service the same day.
Mail	Mail to P.O. Box 2795, Portland, OR 97208-2795.	Routine check or money-order payment with enough time.	Do not mail payment after shutoff or when same-day restoration is needed.
Drop box: Civic Center	555 Liberty St. SE, Room 100, Salem, OR 97301.	Check or money-order drop-off.	Include bill stub and account number.
Drop box: Civic Center drive-through	500 block of Liberty Street SE.	Drive-through style payment drop.	Use faster portal/phone payment if shutoff deadline is close.
Drop box: West Salem Public Library	395 Glen Creek Road NW, Salem, OR 97304.	West Salem drop-off convenience.	Check or money order only.
Drop box: Public Works Operations	1457 23rd St. SE, Salem, OR 97302.	Public Works-area drop-off.	Not the right choice for immediate restoration after shutoff.
In person	440 Church St. SE, 5th Floor, Salem, OR, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.	Cash, check, money order or card payment plus account help.	Bring account number, ID if changing service, and any notices.

New-system reminder: Salem’s 2025 billing-system change assigned customers new account numbers. If your old AutoPay, bank bill pay, login or saved payment no longer works, create a new portal account or call 503-588-6099.

Payment confirmation script: “I paid City of Salem utility account [account number] for [service address] on [date/time] by [online / phone / mail / drop box / in person]. My confirmation or receipt number is [number]. Can you confirm posting and whether any past-due notice, shutoff deadline, payment plan or assistance step remains?”

Past Due, Payment Plans, Shutoff and Same-Day Restoration

Due date

Salem utility bills are due 25 days after the billed date.

Reminder and shutoff notice

If payment is not received by the 25th day, a reminder is mailed on the 26th day or next business day, giving another seven days to pay the past-due balance.

Payment plan

Call Customer Care before shutoff if you need more time or a payment arrangement.

Situation	Official rule / route	Best action
Bill not yet due	Due 25 days after billed date.	Use portal, phone, mail, drop box or in-person payment.
Past due reminder received	Reminder gives seven additional days to pay the past-due balance.	Pay online/phone or call 503-588-6099 before the seven-day window ends.
Potential shutoff / collections notice	Past-due letter will state a payment deadline; failure to pay may result in shutoff and/or collection referral.	Call Customer Care and ask for payment-plan or assistance options.
Need more time	Payment plans may be available over the phone.	Call 503-588-6099 with the amount you can pay and proposed date.
Service already shut off	Service is restored only when past-due balance and all associated fees are paid in full.	Do not mail payment; pay online, phone or in person and call if same-day restoration is needed.
Same-day restoration needed	City must receive payment by 5 p.m. Monday-Friday for same-day turn-on.	Use online, phone or in-person payment, then confirm with Customer Care.
Payment received after 5 p.m.	Payment may be processed next business day depending on whether service is off, locked or meter has been pulled.	Call before assuming service will be restored that day.

Do not mail after shutoff: Salem’s past-due guidance specifically says not to mail your payment if water service has been shut off. Use online, phone or in-person payment and confirm restoration timing.

Past-due script: “My City of Salem utility account is [account number] at [service address]. My bill is past due / service is shut off. I can pay [amount] today by [method]. Am I eligible for a payment plan or assistance, and what payment is required by 5 p.m. for same-day restoration?”

Past Due / Shutoff Help Payment Assistance Pay Online

Utility Payment Assistance: Plans, Emergency Help and Rate Relief

Payment plans

Call Utility Customer Care at 503-588-6099.
You must be the person listed on the account.
You must not have missed payment plans in the last three months.
Your water service must not already be shut off for nonpayment.

Emergency Utility Assistance

Eligible customers may qualify for up to $350 in assistance for 2026.
Assistance can go toward past-due or current utility charges.
It cannot be used for violation fees such as meter tampering, meter obstruction or meter bypass.
Customers may need to apply through a partner agency.

Elderly / disabled rate relief

For customers age 60 or older or households with a disabled person.
Must be listed on a single-family residential City of Salem account with sewer service.
Household income must be at or below 60% of Oregon State Median Income.
Apply through Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency.

Help type	Who to contact	What to ask
Payment plan	Utility Customer Care: 503-588-6099 or utilitybilling@cityofsalem.net.	“Can I spread my balance over time before shutoff?”
Emergency Utility Assistance	Customer Care first; possible partner agency route.	“Am I prequalified or should I apply with a partner agency?”
Salvation Army partner	503-585-6688.	“What documents do I need for City of Salem utility assistance?”
Elderly/disabled rate relief	Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency: 503-588-9016.	“How do I apply for the City of Salem Utility Rate Relief Program?”
LIHEAP or other prequalification	Ask Customer Care whether recent LIHEAP, Salem Housing Authority or prior emergency-assistance approval helps.	“Does my recent assistance approval prequalify me?”
Water already off	Customer Care before relying on assistance.	“Can assistance be used after shutoff, and what must be paid today?”

Assistance tip: Call before service is shut off. Payment-plan eligibility changes once water service has been disconnected for nonpayment.

Start, Stop, Move or Update Salem Utility Service

Start service

Call Utility Customer Care at 503-588-6099.
Provide your name and any other names to add to the account.
Provide phone number and service address.
Provide date you took possession.
Provide mailing address for the bill.
Expect a $25 New Account Activation fee on the first bill.

Move service

Give start address and date you took possession.
Give stop address and date you moved from the old address.
Give forwarding address for the final bill.
Moving service opens a new utility account, so the activation fee applies.

Stop service

Call before moving out or selling property.
Provide name, phone and address to stop service.
Provide date you moved from the address.
Provide forwarding address for final bill.
Keep final bill and payment confirmation.

New connection note: If the property has never been connected to City services, Salem says property owners or developers need utility service permits before utilities can be set up.

Move-service script: “I need to [start / stop / move] City of Salem utility service at [address] on [date]. I have my name, phone, mailing address, possession/move-out date and forwarding address ready. What activation fee, final bill, water turn-on timing or permit step applies?”

2026 Salem Water, Wastewater, Stormwater, Backflow and Streetlight Rates

Unit size

Salem bills water volume by unit/ccf. One unit equals 748 gallons.

Wastewater averaging

For most customers, sewer volume is set annually using average winter-period water consumption, then billed the same each month.

Multiple utility lines

The bill may include water, wastewater, stormwater, backflow, streetlight, franchise fee and City Operations Fee lines.

2026 inside-city water item	Effective 1/1/26	What it means
5/8 – 3/4 inch meter base charge	$14.09	Common residential monthly water base charge.
1 inch meter base charge	$20.37	Higher base charge for larger meter.
1.5 inch meter base charge	$34.87	Larger service line / higher base charge.
2 inch meter base charge	$52.25	Often larger residential, multifamily, irrigation or business context.
Single-family residential water volume	$3.30 per ccf	Multiply metered ccf by this rate for inside-city single-family residential volume.
Multifamily individually metered	$3.30 per ccf	Same listed volume rate as single-family residential.
Multifamily shared meter	$2.72 per ccf	Different rate for shared-meter multifamily accounts.
Irrigation	$4.62 per ccf	Outdoor water use can be more expensive and can affect water totals.
Commercial including fire	$2.86 per ccf	Business accounts should not use residential math.
Industrial	$1.98 per ccf	Industrial accounts use separate class rates.

2026 inside-city wastewater / stormwater item	Effective 1/1/26 or listed date	Customer tip
Single-family wastewater base charge	$20.07	Base sewer charge per account.
Single-family wastewater volume	$4.47 per ccf	Sewer volume is usually not metered separately.
New single-family without history	$46.89 based on 6 ccf wastewater volume	After two full billing cycles with measurable usage, you may request review if actual volume is lower than the City average.
Vacant single-family wastewater	$22.31 based on 0.5 ccf	Used for vacant service conditions.
Commercial/Public wastewater base	$30.11	Commercial/public accounts use different base and volume rates.
Commercial/Public wastewater volume	$6.31 per ccf	Do not compare commercial sewer bill to residential sewer bill.
Stormwater base charge	$14.44	Charged to inside-city utility accounts regardless of impervious surface amount.
Stormwater rate for other classifications	$8.18 per EDU / 3,000 sq ft impervious area	Used for non-single-family classification calculations.
Single-family stormwater Tier 1	$7.15	Less than or equal to 1,330 square feet impervious area.
Single-family stormwater Tier 2	$8.18	Greater than 1,330 but less than 2,900 square feet.
Single-family stormwater Tier 3	$9.19	Greater than or equal to 2,900 square feet.
Backflow prevention fee	$2.25	Charged to accounts required to have a backflow prevention assembly.
Single-family streetlight fee	$3.00 effective 7/1/26	Applies to utility accounts within Salem city limits.
Franchise fee	5%	Assessed monthly on City water, wastewater and stormwater utility charges, with stated exclusions.

Wastewater review tip: Salem says new customers set to the City-average wastewater volume may request a review after two full billing cycles with measurable usage. If actual volume is lower, the volume can be changed and a retroactive credit issued for the billing cycles used to establish history.

Utility Rates & Fees Utility Bill Estimator Read Your Utility Bill

High Water Bill, Sewer Average, Leak or Meter Problem

1. Check water usage

Use portal usage history and compare the current bill with prior months.

2. Check wastewater volume

Sewer volume can stay the same each month even when current water use changes.

3. Look for leaks

Check toilets, irrigation, hose bibs, water heater, crawlspace and meter movement when fixtures are off.

4. Call before deadline

Contact 503-588-6099 if you suspect a billing error, winter average issue or payment problem.

High-bill clue	Likely cause	What to ask Salem Utility Customer Care
Water usage increased	Running toilet, irrigation, outdoor hose, leak, unusual occupancy, meter-read issue.	“Can you review my water usage history and current meter reading?”
Wastewater line stayed high	Annual wastewater volume set from winter-period water use.	“Which readings were used to set my wastewater volume?”
New customer sewer average feels wrong	City average or previous account class may have been used.	“After two full billing cycles, can I request a wastewater volume review?”
Bill changed after May wastewater issue	Salem posted a notice about a miscalculation for some users’ annual wastewater volume and corrected bills.	“Was my account affected by the corrected wastewater-volume billing issue?”
Stormwater line changed	Impervious-area tier, property classification or rate change.	“Which stormwater tier and impervious-area calculation apply to this address?”
Streetlight/franchise/operations fee confusion	Non-water utility lines added to the same utility bill.	“Can you break out water, wastewater, stormwater, streetlight, franchise fee and other charges?”
Payment missing	Wrong account number after billing-system change, old bank bill pay, mail delay, old AutoPay not re-enrolled.	“Can you trace my payment and confirm my new account number?”
Water service shutoff or locked meter	Past-due balance and associated fees.	“What must be paid by 5 p.m. for same-day service restoration?”

Useful portal feature: Salem’s billing upgrade was designed to show easier-to-read water usage history. A registered portal account is better than one-time pay when you are investigating a leak or unusual bill.

High-bill script: “My City of Salem utility bill increased from [normal amount] to [current amount]. The lines that changed are [water / wastewater / stormwater / streetlight / other]. I checked [toilets / irrigation / meter / portal usage]. Can you explain which meter readings, wastewater volume, rate, fee or corrected bill caused the increase?”

Report Water, Sewer or Street Emergencies

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Water emergency

Call Public Works Dispatch at 503-588-6311 for water system concerns, main breaks, water leaks or urgent service issues.

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Sewer issue

Use the same 24/7 dispatch number for sewer system issues. If wastewater is backing up, stop using water and avoid contact.

🛣️

Street / storm drain issue

Public Works Dispatch also routes street-system problems such as clogged drains, hazards or damage.

Issue	Tell Public Works this	Why it matters
Water main break / street leak	Location, address/hundred block, street name, nearest cross street, water flow and photo if safe.	Helps dispatch locate the exact public infrastructure issue.
No water / low pressure	Address, whether neighbors are affected, start time and whether one fixture or whole home is affected.	Separates City distribution issue from private plumbing problem.
Sewer backup	Whether water is dirty/clean, fixture affected, basement/crawl/yard location and time started.	Wastewater requires a different response than clean water or stormwater.
Clogged storm drain / flooding	Exact drain/street location and whether water is entering roadway, sidewalk or property.	Routes to street/stormwater maintenance.
Need to shut water off at meter	Call if you cannot locate or safely operate the meter/curb stop.	City guidance says to contact Public Works Dispatch if unable to turn water off or on.
Unusual taste, odor or color after advisory	Address, tap affected, start time and whether neighbors are affected.	Emergency readiness guidance says to contact dispatch if unusual taste, odor or color remains after advisory is lifted.

Before shutting water off: Salem’s shutoff instructions warn customers to shut off the hot water heater before shutting off water service to avoid damaging the water heater.

Dispatch script: “I need to report a [water / sewer / street] issue at [address or hundred block], nearest cross street [street]. The issue is [description], started [time], and I have [photo/no photo]. My name is [name], phone is [phone], and email is [email].”

Water/Sewer/Street Emergency Shut Off / Turn On Water Flood Safety

Water Quality, Drinking Water Reports, Cyanotoxins and Backflow

2026 Water Quality Report

The City posts a 2026 Water Quality Report and prior reports through its drinking-water pages.

Cyanotoxin testing

Salem posts Middle Intake and Aldersgate cyanotoxin test reports during the monitoring season.

Water Quality Hotline

For water quality questions or a physical report copy, Salem lists the Water Quality Hotline at 503-588-6323 and water@cityofsalem.net.

Water-quality need	Official route	Customer action
Read annual drinking-water results	Open Salem’s 2026 Water Quality Report or the Drinking Water Documents page.	Use the latest report first, then compare older reports only if needed.
Cyanotoxin update	Check Middle Intake and Aldersgate cyanotoxin test reports.	Look for the most recent date and official result.
Physical copy of report	Call 503-588-6323 or email water@cityofsalem.net.	Ask for the latest Consumer Confidence / Water Quality Report.
Unusual taste, odor or color	Call Public Works Dispatch at 503-588-6311 if it may be a service issue.	Report whether one tap, all taps or neighbors are affected.
Lead/copper concern	Use Salem’s drinking-water FAQ and annual report.	Ask about your service line, household plumbing and testing options.
Backflow assembly	Salem’s backflow program requires annual testing for assemblies that can contaminate the drinking-water system.	Schedule testing during the compliance month and keep proof.
Private plumbing vs City water	Use water-quality pages for system questions and a plumber for private plumbing issues.	Tell the City whether the problem appears before or after a filter/softener/hot-water heater.

Salem’s Drinking Water Drinking Water Documents Testing & Sampling Backflow / Cross Connection

City of Salem Utility Bill vs. Other Salem-Area Providers

Before paying: Salem says it provides drinking water, wastewater, stormwater and streetlight services to residents in the Salem area, but other utility providers may handle electricity, natural gas, garbage, internet, phone, cable or addresses outside City service. If the provider name on your bill is different, do not use the City portal until you confirm the account.

If your bill says…	Use this route	Avoid this mistake
City of Salem, Oregon utility bill	Use utilityaccount.cityofsalem.net, 503-588-6099, 1-833-735-2221 and the official Salem payment addresses.	Do not use another Salem city/town portal.
Suburban East Salem Water or another local water district	Use that provider’s bill and official payment instructions.	Do not assume the City of Salem portal includes non-City water districts.
Apartment, landlord or submeter company	Ask whether water/sewer is direct-billed, submetered, allocated or included in rent.	Do not create a City utility account unless the City directly bills your unit/property.
Garbage or solid waste provider	Use the provider named on the garbage bill or Salem utility-provider directory.	Do not confuse garbage-provider billing with City water/wastewater charges.
Electric, gas or telecom provider	Use that company’s account portal; Oregon PUC handles certain utility-provider questions.	Do not pay electricity/gas through the Salem water utility portal.
Salem in another state	Use the official city/town provider for that state.	Do not use Oregon’s City of Salem account portal.

Find Utility Providers Water & Utilities

Google Map: Salem Utility Payment / Customer Service Area

Visit note: For account questions, payment-plan help or in-person payment, Salem lists 440 Church St. SE, 5th Floor, Salem, OR. For drop-box-only convenience, use one of the separate drop-box addresses. Call 503-588-6099 before visiting if you need current lobby guidance or documents.

Route	Address / phone	Use for
In-person utility payment	440 Church St. SE, 5th Floor, Salem, OR	Cash, check, money order, Visa/MasterCard card payment and account help during business hours.
Mail payments	P.O. Box 2795, Portland, OR 97208-2795	Mailed check or money order with bill stub/account number.
Civic Center drop box	555 Liberty St. SE, Room 100, Salem, OR 97301	Check or money-order payment drop-off.
Civic Center drive-through drop box	500 block of Liberty Street SE	Drive-through drop-box payment route.
West Salem Public Library drop box	395 Glen Creek Road NW, Salem, OR 97304	West Salem payment drop-off.
Public Works Operations drop box	1457 23rd St. SE, Salem, OR 97302	Payment drop-off near Public Works Operations.
Utility Customer Care	503-588-6099 / utilitybilling@cityofsalem.net	Billing, login, start/stop, payment plan, assistance and account questions.
Public Works Dispatch	503-588-6311 / service@cityofsalem.net	24/7 water, sewer or street emergency reporting.

Salem Water Utility FAQ

What is the City of Salem utility billing phone number?

Call the City of Salem Utility Customer Care Center at 503-588-6099. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where do I pay my Salem water utility bill online?

Use the official City of Salem utility account portal at utilityaccount.cityofsalem.net. You can use One-Time Pay or create a portal account for bills, payment history, water-usage history, paperless billing and account tools.

What is the Salem utility bill phone payment number?

Call 1-833-735-2221 for telephone payment. Salem’s payment page lists Visa or MasterCard debit and credit cards as telephone payment methods.

Where do I mail a City of Salem utility payment?

Mail utility payments to P.O. Box 2795, Portland, OR 97208-2795. Include your payment stub and write the account number on the check or money order.

Where can I pay my Salem utility bill in person?

In-person utility payments are listed at 440 Church St. SE, 5th Floor, Salem, OR, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Payment methods include Visa/MasterCard debit or credit card, check, money order and cash.

What number do I call for a Salem water or sewer emergency?

Call Public Works Dispatch at 503-588-6311. The dispatch center is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for water, sewer or street system issues.

How do I start, stop or move Salem utility service?

Call Utility Customer Care at 503-588-6099. For start service, have your name, phone, service address, possession date and mailing address ready. For stop service, provide the stop address, move-out date and forwarding address.

How much is the new account activation fee in Salem?

Salem lists a $25 New Account Activation fee. The fee applies to each new utility account, including when moving service to a new address.

What are Salem’s 2026 residential water and sewer rates?

For inside-city single-family residential service effective January 1, 2026, Salem lists a 5/8–3/4 inch water base charge of $14.09, water volume at $3.30 per ccf, single-family wastewater base at $20.07, and wastewater volume at $4.47 per ccf.

Does Salem offer utility payment assistance?

Yes. Salem lists payment plans, Emergency Utility Assistance of up to $350 for eligible customers in 2026, and a Utility Rate Relief Program for eligible elderly or disabled customers. Call 503-588-6099 for payment-plan or prequalification guidance.

30-Second Salem Water Utility Checklist

Pay/login: use utilityaccount.cityofsalem.net for One-Time Pay or registered portal access.

Phone: Utility Customer Care is 503-588-6099; phone payment is 1-833-735-2221; Public Works Dispatch is 503-588-6311.

Mail/drop: mail to P.O. Box 2795, Portland, OR 97208-2795; drop boxes are available at Civic Center, Liberty Street drive-through, West Salem Public Library and Public Works Operations.

Past due: bills are due 25 days after bill date; call before shutoff for payment plan or assistance.

2026 rates: inside-city single-family water is $14.09 base plus $3.30/ccf; wastewater is $20.07 base plus $4.47/ccf.

Emergency: call 503-588-6311 for water, sewer or street system emergencies any time.

Quarks_Systems

Editorial Team

WaterBillGuide.us

The content on WaterBillGuide.us is researched and prepared by our editorial team. Our writers and researchers review publicly available information from official utility websites and service portals to create clear, step-by-step informational guides.

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Water Bill Payment, Leak & Utility Help Toolkit

Use this free helper to find the official water bill portal, avoid unsafe payment pages, handle late bills, troubleshoot high usage, prepare start/stop service documents, and contact the utility office with the right details.

Find official payment pages safely

Prepare before late fees or shutoff

Check high bill and leak causes

Useful on every city water guide

Official Water Bill Portal Finder

Enter your city, state, and utility name. This tool creates safe search shortcuts for the official bill pay portal, customer service page, outage line, and start/stop service page.

City

State

Utility / Water Department name

What do you need?

Safety tip: Use the official city, county, or utility website when paying a water bill. Do not enter card or bank details on a page that only looks like a payment portal but does not clearly identify the official utility.

Safe Water Bill Payment Checklist

Before paying online, use this checklist to reduce the risk of wrong payment, duplicate payment, missed receipt, or third-party confusion.

The payment page is linked from the official city, county, or utility website.

The page asks for your utility account number, customer number, or service address.

The page uses HTTPS and shows the utility/payment processor name clearly.

Any card fee, e-check fee, or convenience fee is shown before payment.

You can save or print a confirmation number after payment.

You checked whether late, shutoff, or reconnect notices require calling the office after payment.

Important: Some official utilities use third-party processors. That can be normal, but the payment processor should be linked from the official utility website and show clear fee/payment details.

Late Bill, Shutoff Notice & Reconnection Action Plan

Select your situation and get practical next steps. This helps users act quickly without guessing.

What is your current situation?

Do not wait: If you received a shutoff notice, online payment alone may not stop disconnection. Call the utility billing office and save your confirmation number.

High Water Bill & Leak Troubleshooter

A high bill can be caused by leaks, irrigation, estimated readings, seasonal use, or account/meter issues. Choose the closest problem below.

Possible cause

Approx. bill increase

Quick leak test Turn off all water, then check whether the meter still moves.

Toilet check Put food coloring in tank. If color reaches bowl without flushing, there may be a leak.

Ask utility Request usage history, meter reread, leak adjustment policy, and payment arrangement options.

Start, Stop or Transfer Water Service Checklist

Moving in or out? Choose your situation and prepare the details most utilities commonly request.

Service request type

Your preparation checklist

Move-out tip: Ask for a final meter read, final bill date, refund/deposit process, and confirmation number when stopping service.

Payment Assistance & Arrangement Finder

If you cannot pay the full water bill, this guide helps you decide what to ask before disconnection or extra fees.

What do you need most?

Helpful document list: Keep your account number, photo ID, service address, bill copy, shutoff notice, income proof if needed, repair receipt if leak-related, and payment confirmation numbers.

Water Department Call Script Generator

Generate a clear call or email script before contacting the utility billing office.

City / Utility

Account number

Service address

Reason

Your name

Extra detail