Leak relief and household assistance

A high water bill may have a path to review

Hidden plumbing failures can produce an alarming bill before the problem is visible. This guide separates what City of Hillsboro Water Department / Utility Billing publicly describes from the practical steps every customer can take while requesting help.

Provider-specific review

What the public record says about a leak adjustment

Hillsboro's Leak Adjustment Program provides residential relief when a sizeable leak is repaired promptly. The applicant must have at least one year of water-use history, repair the leak within 90 days of discovery under the general program page (the FAQ also describes a 30-day repair standard), keep the account current except for the water-consumption portion if an arrangement exists, and have received no leak adjustment in the prior 18 months. The customer completes the Credit for Leak Adjustment form and submits proof of repair within 60 days after repair; staff verifies the repair at the meter. The leak cannot result from willful or negligent conduct. The property owner is responsible for the private service line from the meter to the home, while the City maintains public mains and meters.

Stop the loss

Shut off the failing fixture or supply and arrange a qualified repair.

Keep proof

Save dated invoices, parts receipts, photographs, and meter readings.

Request review

Submit the request promptly and keep paying any undisputed amount.

Utility assistance

Customer assistance and eligibility

Hillsboro directs customers with payment difficulty to its Utility Assistance webpage and 503-681-6163 for flexible payment plans or bill-relief options. The reviewed public page does not expose a fixed dollar credit, senior discount, disability cap, or veteran reduction; additional community resources include reduced garbage rates, energy/rent assistance, food pantries, and weatherization referrals.

State and federal connections

Where to ask for broader aid

The City provides a local Utility Assistance intake page and telephone screening at 503-681-6163 but the reviewed material does not publish a direct LIHWAP application URL. Customers should ask Utility Billing for current Washington County/Oregon referrals and separately check Oregon 211 or county human-services agencies for active state, federal, and nonprofit funds.

Research status for this provider

4 of 4 relief signals publicly identified

Verify with official provider ↗

Emergency route

Published detail

Leak policy

Published detail

Utility aid

Published detail

State/federal aid

Published detail

Leak and assistance notes

Build the file before asking City of Hillsboro Water Department / Utility Billing for relief

A high bill can have several causes, including a hidden plumbing failure, irrigation use, a meter issue, a change in occupancy, or a rate adjustment. The provider’s leak policy determines whether any credit is available; an unusually high bill does not automatically qualify.

Keep a dated record of the reading, the suspected source, the repair, the contractor or parts receipt, and the return to normal use. Ask whether the utility requires a specific form, a licensed repair, a meter test, photos, or a request within a fixed number of days.

For income-related difficulty, ask about local assistance, payment arrangements, state programs, and community referrals separately from a leak adjustment. These programs often use different applications, documents, funding limits, and deadlines.

Return to utility profile →Review shut-off protection →Open payment methods →