Capacity charge

Since 1990, King County has levied a capacity charge on new connections to the sewer system, which these new customers pay in addition to their monthly sewer bill. The capacity charge helps King County cover the cost of sewer improvement and expansion projects needed to serve new growth.

Newly connecting customers are directly billed by King County for the capacity charge. Elected officials, sewer utility representatives and jurisdiction officials were all involved in King County’s decision to implement a capacity charge to ensure that “growth pays for growth.”

• Effective Jan. 1, 2013, the county's monthly capacity charge for new connections increased to $53.50; the wholesale monthly sewer rate increased to $39.79. View June 11, 2012 news release.
• Frequently asked questions about the sewage treatment capacity charge.
• Paying your invoice online - when paying online, you will need your invoice (view sample invoice) to locate and enter the Account Number and Site Number. Payments can be made through your checking account (e-check) or by credit card (Visa and Master Cards are accepted). This payment option is being offered at no additional charge to customers.

Frequently asked questions about sewage treatment capacity charge (PDF), effective January 1, 2013
To request print versions, please contact us at CapChargeEscrow@kingcounty.gov or 206-296-1450.
En Espanol: Cargo por Capacidad de Tratamiento de Aguas Residuales (PDF)