The Johnston Brief
New house, empty checklist. Here's every utility you need to get running in Johnston - who the provider actually is, the number to call, and what to have in hand - so you can knock it all out in one afternoon instead of learning the hard way when the water's still off.
Water, sewer & city trash: the City of Johnston (515-278-2344) - one bill covers water, sewer, stormwater, and curbside garbage/recycling. Electric & gas: MidAmerican Energy (800-621-2757). Internet: Mediacom, CenturyLink, or MetroNet fiber - check your address. Have ID, your move-in date, and payment ready.
Here's the nice part: in Johnston, water, sewer, stormwater, and your curbside garbage and recycling all come on a single monthly bill from the City of Johnston. This is usually the first call you make. Set up, transfer, or stop service through City Hall.
City Hall: 6221 Merle Hay Road · Johnston Utilities →
The city buys its treated drinking water from Des Moines Water Works, then handles the local pipes and billing. Curious whether it's safe to drink? See our Johnston tap water guide.
MidAmerican Energy provides electricity and natural gas in Johnston; you can set up both in one call. If you're on the far edge of town, confirm your provider by address when you call.
Unlike some metro suburbs, Johnston arranges your trash for you: curbside garbage and recycling run through Metro Waste Authority's Curb It program, and the charge is folded into your city water bill. It's worth its own page - Johnston trash & recycling, explained →
Johnston has solid options, but availability is street-by-street - check your exact address when you order.
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Have ready for each: your new address, a photo ID, your move-in date, and payment info. Some providers ask for a deposit depending on credit history.
Call about a week before move-in. Water, city trash, and power can usually start on your date with a quick call; internet installs book out further, so grab a slot early.
Close - the city bundles water, sewer, stormwater, and trash on one bill. You still set up MidAmerican for power and gas, and pick an internet provider separately.
Call the City of Johnston at 515-278-2344 during business hours; the city posts an after-hours contact for public-works emergencies. For any life-safety emergency, call 911.
Moving to Johnston · Schools & boundaries · Is the water safe to drink? · Trash & recycling