In this short video, learn how utility rates are established.
Learn about Water, Wastewater, Storm and Surface Water, and Solid Waste services in Bellevue.
Utilities' Rates Overview
Utility rates are approved by City Council as part of the City’s budget. Before the proposed budget reaches City Council, it is thoroughly reviewed by the Environmental Services Commission, a seven-member citizen advisory commission. A public hearing is also held to review public comments before the Commission provides a recommendation and the City Council decides on approval.
View 2024 Utilities Water, Sewer, and Stormwater Rates
2025-26 Proposed Budget and Rates
View Community Meeting Presentation (PDF)
What's next?
Utilities proposed 2025-26 budget and rates were presented at the City Council meeting on Oct. 8 for adoption consideration. The Council will consider budget adoption at the City Council meeting on Nov. 19.
What is considered in the budget?
- We want to maintain stable and predictable rates to avoid large rate increases in the future.
- We want to keep our rates competitive with neighboring cities.
- We want to meet the long-term needs of our customers and community.
- We want to ensure we provide the level of service expected by customers.
Typical 2023-2024 Bellevue Utility Bill
The table below shows the rate impact over the next two years broken down by cost driver for the typical single-family bill.
As the table shows, rates will increase by 6.7% in 2023 and 5.8% in 2024.
Utility bills pay for more than water
Bellevue Utilities provides essential drinking water, wastewater, and storm and surface water services that meet the needs of our growing community.
Our service to our customers
- Deliver essential high-quality drinking water. We maintain over 600 miles of water main pipes and 24 reservoirs that can store over 40 million gallons.
- Protect the environment. We protect over 90 miles of open streams and over 860 acres of protected wetlands, supporting fish and wildlife habitat.
- Reduce flooding. We manage flood controls and damage from storms.
- Prevent sewage overflows. We maintain over 600 miles of sewer pipes that safely deliver wastewater to King County treatment facilities.
Water Service Charges
Service charges are based on the size of your meter and the amount of water you use. Water use is billed in units of 100 cubic feet (1ccf). 100 cubic feet of water equals 748 gallons.
Sewer Service Charges
Service charges for single-family homes include a wastewater treatment charge from King County Metro and volume charges based on the meter readings obtained between December 15 and June 15.. Multifamily has a per-unit rate with additional charges based on water use over the minimum amount. Wastewater charges for businesses are based on a charge from King County Metro and a volume charge determined by your water use.
Storm and Surface Water Service Charges
Flood prevention/care of streams and lakes service charges are based on the square footage of your property and the percentage of impervious surfaces (roofs, driveways, decks, etc.)