Ever looked at your Camas utility bill and wondered why it jumped this time? You are not alone. Between water, sewer, and garbage, it can be tough to know what is a normal seasonal change and what needs attention. In this guide, you will learn how billing cycles work, what each line item means, why bills change, and the steps to take if something looks off. Let’s dive in.
How billing cycles affect your budget
Utility bills are issued on a schedule, and that schedule changes how big your bill looks. Cities commonly bill water and sewer monthly, bimonthly, or quarterly. If you receive a bimonthly or quarterly bill, it combines multiple months of use, which can make summer irrigation spikes appear larger.
Garbage service may be billed differently. Some homes see solid-waste charges on the same city bill, while others are billed by a private hauler on a monthly cycle. Check your bill or the city’s utilities page to confirm how it works for your address.
A quick budgeting tip: divide your total by the number of months in the cycle to get a per-month figure. For example, if your bimonthly total is 220 dollars, set aside 110 dollars per month. For summer irrigation, compare this year’s bill to the same period last year to set a realistic cushion.
Reading the line items on your bill
Your Camas utility bill usually includes a mix of fixed charges and usage charges. Here is what common items mean so you can match them to your statement.
Fixed charges
- Water base charge or meter charge. A set fee for meter service and system availability. You pay this even if you use no water.
- Sewer base charge. A fixed portion of your sewer service cost that does not change with usage.
- Stormwater or surface-water fee. A fee that supports stormwater management. This is often a separate line item.
Usage charges
- Water usage charge. Billed per unit of volume. Units are commonly measured in CCF (hundred cubic feet) or gallons. Your bill shows which unit is used, along with the billing period and how much water you used.
- Sewer usage charge. Many systems base sewer charges on metered indoor water use. Some cities use total water use, while others use a winter-average method or separate irrigation meters to avoid charging sewer on outdoor water. Check how Camas calculates sewer for your account.
Garbage and recycling
- Solid-waste charges. If billed on your city utility bill, you will see a line for garbage, recycling, and possibly yard debris. The level of service often references your cart size, such as 32-gallon or 96-gallon. If your hauler bills you directly, you will receive a separate monthly invoice.
Taxes and fees
- Utility taxes, franchise fees, and state taxes. These are pass-through charges that some municipalities collect. They may appear as separate lines.
- Regulatory surcharges. You may see small fees related to water rights, surface water management, or environmental programs.
One-time charges and credits
- Account-related fees. Examples include service initiation or set-up fees, deposits, returned-check fees, late fees, reconnection fees, or meter testing charges.
- Leak adjustments or corrections. If you had a documented leak or a billing correction, you may see an adjustment or credit. Policies vary, so ask about Camas’s current leak-adjustment rules.
Meter reads and billing period details
Your bill should show previous and current meter reads, the dates of the reads, usage for the period, and whether the read was actual or estimated. Estimated reads occur if crews cannot access the meter or for safety reasons. An estimated bill can be adjusted later when an actual read is taken.
Why your bill might jump
A higher bill does not always mean an error. These are the most common reasons:
- Seasonal irrigation or filling a pool. Outdoor watering in summer can add a large, predictable increase.
- Undetected leaks. Running toilets, dripping faucets, or irrigation leaks can waste hundreds of gallons.
- Estimated vs. actual reads. A period with an estimated read followed by an actual high read can make one bill look unusually large.
- Rate changes or new fees. City councils can adopt new rate schedules. That change may appear on your next cycle.
- Billing cycle differences. Comparing a two-month bill to a one-month bill can be misleading. Always compare like periods.
Quick steps to check for leaks
- Turn off all water inside and outside. Look at your meter. If the flow indicator still moves, water is flowing somewhere.
- Record the meter reading, then avoid using water for 1 to 2 hours. Check again to see if the reading changed.
- For a deeper check, record readings over 24 hours with no water use. Any increase suggests a leak.
- Compare your usage to the same period last year. A big jump with no lifestyle change is a red flag.
If your bill seems off
- Contact utilities billing right away. Ask for an explanation of each line item and whether the read was actual or estimated.
- Request a recent account history and meter reads so you can spot trends.
- If you had a one-time leak, ask about a leak adjustment review and what documentation is required.
- If the total creates hardship, ask about payment arrangements or any available assistance programs.
Start, stop, or transfer service
When you move in or out, you will need to set service dates and confirm account details.
- Starting service. Be ready to provide proof of residency or ownership, identification, and your desired start date. A deposit or credit check may be required for new accounts.
- Stopping service. Request a final read for your move-out date and provide a forwarding address for the final bill.
- Transferring service. If you are moving within city service areas, confirm whether you can transfer your account or need to open a new one.
- Solid waste. Cart size changes, extra pickups, or missed service are typically handled by the solid-waste provider. Confirm whether your address is billed by the city or directly by the hauler.
Payment options and assistance
Most cities offer a variety of ways to pay. Check which options are available for your Camas account and whether convenience fees apply.
- Online payments. Make one-time payments or set up autopay.
- In person, by mail, or by phone. Office hours and processing times vary.
- Bank draft or ACH. Many residents prefer automatic bank draft for predictable budgeting.
- Drop box or kiosk. If available, these can be convenient after hours.
- Payment plans. If you have a past-due balance, ask about deferred payment arrangements.
If you need help, ask the utilities office about available programs for seniors, low-income households, or customers experiencing hardship. Some assistance is managed by the city and some by county or community partners.
Smart budgeting tips for Camas utilities
- Convert to a monthly number. If your bill covers two months or more, divide the total by the number of months in the cycle to plan a monthly set-aside.
- Plan for summer. Use last year’s summer bill as a baseline and add a cushion for hotter or drier seasons.
- Track usage. Keep a simple log of your meter reads or usage from each bill. Sudden changes stand out faster when you track them.
- Consider irrigation metering. If separate irrigation metering is available, ask whether outdoor water is excluded from sewer charges and how to set that up.
- Schedule a quarterly leak check. A quick look at your meter with all fixtures off can catch small issues early.
Important contacts and where to verify details
Rates, billing cycles, and contact information can change. Before you make decisions or set a budget, confirm current details on the City of Camas official Utilities Billing page. For water or sewer emergencies, check the City’s Public Works or Utilities Operations page for after-hours numbers. For garbage service questions, confirm whether your address is billed by the city or directly by the solid-waste provider, and contact the appropriate office.
For drinking-water quality and cross-connection rules, Washington’s Department of Health oversees statewide standards in coordination with county public-health authorities. For public-health concerns such as discolored water, you can also check with Clark County Public Health.
Moving soon?
If you are planning a move in Camas, line up your utility start and stop dates early, schedule a final read, and confirm any deposits. A smooth utility handoff helps your closing stay on track and keeps surprise charges off your to-do list.
Ready to plan your next step in Clark County? Connect with Joy Johnson to get your instant home valuation and a calm, step-by-step plan for your move.
FAQs
What billing cycle does the City of Camas use for water and sewer?
- Billing frequency varies by city and can change, so check your bill or the City of Camas Utilities Billing page to confirm whether your account is monthly, bimonthly, or quarterly.
Is garbage service included on my Camas utility bill?
- Some addresses see solid-waste charges on the city utility bill, while others are billed directly by the hauler on a monthly cycle; review your statement or contact the city to confirm.
Why is my sewer charge higher than I expected in Camas?
- Many systems base sewer on metered indoor water use or a winter-average method, so heavy indoor use can increase sewer charges; verify Camas’s current calculation for your account.
How do I check for a water leak at home in Camas?
- Turn off all fixtures, watch the meter for movement, and compare readings over time; if usage rises with everything off, you likely have a leak and should contact utilities billing for next steps.
Who do I call for a water or sewer emergency after hours in Camas?
- Visit the City of Camas Public Works or Utilities Operations page to get the current after-hours emergency number and instructions.
