A public utility is a provider/organization which provides a public service that is "subject to special governmental regulation." The City of Olathe provides several core public utilities including water, sewer, waste water and solid waste services. Water and sewer utility bills are based on usage and storm water and solid waste bills are flat monthly fees. The total operational costs of these services directly impact the utility rates, which in-turn affect your monthly utility bills. There are also external influences which directly impact the cost of providing these services such as federal/state mandates, increasing cost of chemicals/goods, and infrastructure maintenance/replacement.

Utility rates are determined annually by the City Council. Although each utility customer's bill is different, residents can easily lookup their utility providers, as well as view the average rates for each utility:

•Water Utility Fee- Average bill for all customers
•Sewer Utility Fee- Average bill for all customers
•Solid Waste Utility Fee- Monthly bill for residential and commercial customers
•Storm Water Utility Fee- Monthly bill for residential and commercial customers

The 2012 utility rates took effect January 1, 2012.