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.
2027-28 Proposed Budget and Rates
The numbers in the table below represent the overall rate revenue increases required to support each utility. Due to the sewer equity rate adjustments, single-family and non-residential customer bill impacts will be slightly higher than the combined rate increases listed here, while the rate increases for multi-family residential customers will be slightly lower than these figures.
Community Engagement
As part of the budget development and rate setting process, we actively engage with the community to gather input, understand priorities, and ensure our plans reflect the needs and values of the community we serve. Community feedback helps to inform decisions and guide a balanced, transparent approach.
Watch this Community Meeting for an overview of Bellevue Utilities' proposed 2027-28 budget and rates.
Below is a list of opportunities to learn about Utilities' proposed 2027-28 budget and rates and provide feedback. These dates are tentative and may change.
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Community Engagement
- April 2, 2026
- Environmental Services Commission (ESC) Meeting
- May 6, 2026
- Community Connect Open House
Mini City Hall at Crossroads Mall - May 7, 2026
- Environmental Services Commission Meeting
- May 15, 2026
- Community Connect Open House
North Bellevue Community Center (4-6 p.m.) - May 20, 2026
- Community Connect Open House
South Bellevue Community Center (11 a.m. - 2 p.m.) - May 27, 2026
- Community Connect Open House
Bellevue City Hall (11:30 a.m. 1:30 p.m.) - June 4, 2026
- Environmental Services Commission Meeting
- June 11, 2026
- Virtual Community Meeting (6-7 p.m.)
- June 18, 2026
- Environmental Services Commission Meeting
- June 23, 2026
- City Council Meeting
- July 2, 2026
- Environmental Services Commission Meeting
- Sept. 3, 2026
- Public Hearing - Environmental Services Commission Meeting
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Bellevue City Hall, Room 1E-113
How to participate: In Person or via Zoom (link will be posted one week prior to meeting) - Sept. 17, 2026
- Environmental Services Commission Meeting
- Oct. 1, 2026
- Environmental Services Commission Meeting
- Oct. 13
- City Council Meeting
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.)