Oregon City residents who meet income thresholds can cut their monthly water, sewer, storm, and pavement maintenance bills by 50% through the city's Reduced Rate Program, according to a city announcement published July 27.
The program is not new. It is an ongoing enrollment benefit with income thresholds reset each January using Oregon Housing and Community Services guidelines. The city's July 27 announcement highlighted the 2026 thresholds and encouraged eligible households to apply.
Approved participants also receive roughly a 20% reduction on water consumption charges, lowering the cost per hundred cubic feet (748 gallons) of water used.
Who qualifies
Eligibility is based on household size and maximum annual gross income. The 2026 thresholds are:
- 1 person: $36,385
- 2 people: $50,196
- 3 people: $62,006
- 4 people: $73,817
- 5 people: $85,627
The city did not specify thresholds for households larger than five.
How the discount works
Once approved, customers pay half the base rate on all four utility services. The additional 20% break on water consumption applies on top of that base-rate cut.
Enrollment lasts two years before a renewal application is required. Residents who can demonstrate their income will remain within qualifying limits indefinitely may be placed on the program permanently, with no future renewals needed.
How to apply
Applications are available online at orcity.org/rate-reduction-application. Residents can also request materials by calling 503-657-8151 or emailing [email protected].
The city said applicants must provide supporting documents to verify income eligibility but did not detail which documents are required. There is no application deadline.
