What Are Stormwater Fees?

Stormwater runoff isn’t just an environmental concern – it can also have a direct financial impact on your business. Stormwater utility fees are increasingly common across urban and suburban areas, particularly where impervious surfaces like rooftops, parking lots, and driveways prevent natural infiltration of rainwater.

At iSTORMWATER, we provide expert stormwater management services across Maryland, Virginia, Washington, DC and Delaware, helping businesses understand, manage, and reduce their stormwater fees while promoting sustainable site practices.

What Are Stormwater Utility Fees?

Stormwater utility fees are recurring charges imposed by local governments to fund the operation, maintenance, and improvement of public stormwater management systems. These systems help reduce flooding, erosion, and water pollution by controlling the volume and quality of runoff from developed properties.

Because impervious surfaces prevent stormwater from soaking into the ground, they increase the volume and speed of runoff – which can overwhelm drainage systems and pollute nearby waterways. To address this, municipalities calculate stormwater fees based on the amount of impervious area on a property. The more surface area that cannot absorb water, the higher the fee.

What Do Stormwater Fees Pay For?

Stormwater utility fees help fund:

• Storm drain and culvert maintenance
• Street sweeping and debris removal
• Stormwater treatment facilities
• Regulatory compliance with the Clean Water Act (CWA) 
  
• Public education and watershed protection initiatives

Why Do Stormwater Fees Exist?

Stormwater utility fees are rooted in environmental legislation, particularly the Clean Water Act. Passed in 1972 and amended over time, this federal law requires states and municipalities to reduce pollutants discharged into surface waters, including rivers, lakes, and the Chesapeake Bay.

To comply, many jurisdictions have adopted local stormwater management programs that are funded through utility fees. These fees ensure that both residential and commercial property owners contribute to the upkeep of essential infrastructure.

Maryland’s Stormwater Fee Program

In 2012, Maryland passed legislation requiring its most urbanized counties and Baltimore City to implement stormwater fee systems – often referred to as the “Rain Tax.” This initiative targeted pollution from impervious surfaces and supported Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts. Although amendments in 2015 made the fee optional, jurisdictions are still required to meet water quality goals set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Virginia and DC Initiatives

In Virginia, municipalities such as Alexandria, Fairfax County, and Charlottesville have enacted stormwater fees to fund local compliance efforts. Washington, DC charges a stormwater fee through its Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE), which is included on water bills from DC Water.

Commercial Stormwater Fees in Baltimore

In Baltimore City, stormwater fees for commercial, industrial, and institutional properties are calculated using the Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU) model. One ERU equals 1,050 square feet of impervious surface, and commercial properties are billed $15 per ERU per quarter.

Special Rates:

• Religious non-profits and K-12 educational institutions: $3 per ERU per quarter

Baltimore also encourages property owners to implement Best Management Practices (BMPs), such as:

• Rain gardens
• Rainwater harvesting systems
• Green roofs
• Permeable pavements

Property owners who adopt these strategies may qualify for stormwater fee credits, which must be renewed periodically to remain in effect.

How To Reduce Your Stormwater Fees

Reducing your stormwater fees starts with a professional inspection and a tailored BMP strategy. Partnering with a certified stormwater contractor ensures your property complies with local regulations – and takes advantage of every opportunity for cost savings.

At iSTORMWATER, we help commercial property owners:

• Conduct impervious surface assessments
• Install and maintain BMP systems
• Apply for and maintain fee credits
• Stay compliant with evolving stormwater laws

Our engineers and certified inspectors deliver best-in-class service with minimal disruption to your operations across Maryland, Virginia, Washington, DC, and Delaware.

Take Control of Your Stormwater Costs

Don’t let stormwater fees surprise your budget. Schedule an inspection with iSTORMWATER today to learn how you can reduce fees, improve site sustainability, and protect your property investment.

📞 Call us at (410) 231-3455 or 💬 Contact us online to book your consultation.