What is stormwater?

Stormwater is the runoff that results from precipitation. As this water flows over construction sites, farm fields, lawns, driveways, parking lots, and streets, it picks up sediment, nutrients, bacteria, metals, pesticides, and other pollutants. Unlike sanitary sewers that go to a treatment plant, most stormwater is discharged directly to local water bodies.

Increasing amounts of impervious surfaces in urban areas, such as rooftops, driveways, parking lots, and streets, decreases the ability of the water to soak into the ground, thus increasing the amount of stormwater. More stormwater places more demands on the city’s stormwater infrastructure.

Show All Answers

1. What are stormwater utility fees?
2. What is stormwater?
3. What is an impervious surface?
4. Who pays the fees?
5. How are stormwater utility fees charged?
6. How much are stormwater management fees?
7. How do I know how many equivalent residential units (ERUs) I’ll be billed?
8. How was the equivalent residential unit (ERU) rate determined for Johnston?
9. How will stormwater utility fees be used?