At Bellevue Utilities, we provide essential services to our residents: Water, Wastewater, Storm and Surface Water, and Solid Waste (through a contract with Republic Services).
Below is a detailed breakdown of Residential water, sewer, and storm and surface water charges.
1. Billing Details
Bellevue Utilities directly bills for Water, Wastewater, and Storm and Surface Water services every two months, with payment due 30 days after the bill date.
In the top right section of your bill, you will find your account details, including the bill date, due date, previous balance, previous payment, current charges, any adjustments and the total amount due.
The top left section displays the service dates and the service address for the account.
2. Water Service
As your water utility, we ensure safe, reliable drinking water by managing a network of pump stations, reservoirs, and pipelines, supported by 24-hour monitoring to maintain quality and availability.
Breakdown of Charges
The bill for your Water service reflects two primary charges.
Tier charge. This charge is based on the amount of water used during each billing cycle. We bill in Centum Cubic Feet (CCF), each CCF is 748 gallons of water. This tiered approach ensures fair pricing while promoting responsible water usage.
- Tier 1 (0 – 11.00 CCF)
- Tier 2 (11.01 – 17.00 CCF)
- Tier 3 (17.01 – 45.00 CCF)
- Tier 4 (Over 45 CCF)
Water Base Charge. This charge is a fixed amount based on your meter size capacity. It's intended to help cover the Utility's fixed costs, like maintaining infrastructure.
More Resources
Bellevue Utilities is a member of Cascade Water Alliance. For more resources on water conservation please visit their website here: Cascade Water Alliance
Find more information on your Water Utility service: Water | City of Bellevue
For more information about our rates: Utilities Budget and Rates | City of Bellevue
3. Wastewater Service
As your wastewater utility, we protect public health and the environment by safely collecting and conveying wastewater through a network of pipelines and pump stations, aligning with our mission to safeguard the community and promote environmental stewardship.
Breakdown of Charges
The bill for your Wastewater service reflects two primary charges.
Wastewater Usage Charge. This charge is calculated based on your average water usage during the winter months of the previous year. Aligned with industry best practices, this method estimates the amount of wastewater your property generates while accounting for lower outdoor water usage during winter.
- Why do we use the average of your winter water usage? This method is used because individual sewer usage is not metered. Water usage in the winter months represents basic, indoor domestic use, and it provides an accurate estimate of what is returned to the sewer system.
- NOTE: In your first year of service with the City of Bellevue you will have no prior year’s water usage. Therefore, the City uses 15 CCF for the first year of service to estimate your consumption. After two complete billing periods, your account will have a recorded consumption history. If your actual consumption history is lower than 15 CCF, please contact us to adjust your account to your actual consumption levels.
King County Treatment Charge. This charge is a fixed amount set by King County to cover the cost of processing and treating wastewater at regional facilities. It ensures that wastewater is treated and returned to the environment safely.
More Resources
Find more information on your Wastewater Utility service: Wastewater | City of Bellevue
For more information about our rates: Utilities Budget and Rates | City of Bellevue
For more information about King County Treatment: About the Wastewater Treatment Division - King County, Washington
4. Storm and Surface Water Service
As your storm and surface water utility, we protect the community and environment by managing stormwater through a system of pipelines and detention facilities. Our work prevents flooding, reduces pollution, and safeguards the health of local streams, wetlands, and lakes.
Breakdown of Charges
Storm and Surface Water Charges consist of two primary components: property size and the extent of development on the property.
Property Size Calculation. Surface water charges are assessed based on the total square footage of the property. Properties are billed (rounded up) in increments of one unit for every 2,000 square feet. For example, a property measuring 6,000 square feet will be billed for three units.
Development Intensity Rate. The rate applied to each 2,000 square foot increment is determined by how much of the property is developed. Development is categorized into five tiers. Each tier has an associated rate, with higher development incurring higher charges.
- Tier 1 – Undeveloped (0% impervious surface): No development on the property. (e.g., An empty lot)
- Tier 2 – Lightly Developed (1-20% impervious surface): Minimal structures or impervious surfaces. (e.g., A single-family home with a yard)
- Tier 3 – Moderately Developed (21-40% impervious surface): Partial development with moderate structures and impervious surfaces. (e.g., A single-family home without a yard)
- Tier 4 – Heavily Developed (41-70% impervious surface): A significant portion of the property is developed. (e.g., An apartment complex or office complex)
- Tier 5 – Very Heavily Developed (Over 70% impervious surface): The majority of the property is covered by impervious surfaces. (e.g., A downtown tower)
Additional Billing Components. A small billing charge is included on each bill to cover administrative costs associated with processing and maintaining accounts.
Exclusions for Protected Land. If a portion of the property contains undevelopable, officially protected wetlands or similar protected areas, these portions are excluded from the area calculation.
This is presented on your bill as one fixed charge that combines all these calculations.
More Resources
Find more information on your Surface Water Utility service: Storm and Surface Water | City of Bellevue
For more information about our rates: Utilities Budget and Rates | City of Bellevue
Why Your Utilities Matter
Bellevue Utilities’ services are essential to the health, safety, and sustainability of our community. By providing reliable Water, Wastewater, Storm and Surface Water, and Solid Waste management, we support daily life, protect public health, and safeguard the environment. These services ensure access to clean water, prevent pollution, and protect local waterways, while also managing stormwater to prevent flooding and property damage. Guided by our commitment to safety, sustainability, and exceptional service, our utility systems work together to enhance quality of life and create a resilient, thriving community for generations to come.