Stormwater Management Utility Fees

Stormwater Management Utility Fees 

In Lake Stevens, property owners are charged an annual stormwater management (SWM) utility fee as part of their property taxes. This fee is essential for maintaining and improving the stormwater infrastructure that helps manage rainwater and prevent flooding, erosion, and water pollution. 

  1. How are Surface Water Utility fees used?
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What is a Stormwater Management Utility Fee?

A stormwater management utility fee is a charge levied on property owners to fund the maintenance and improvement of the stormwater system. This system includes pipes, catch basins, vaults, bioswales, and ponds that collect and treat stormwater runoff. Proper stormwater management is crucial for protecting water quality, preventing flooding, and preserving natural habitats.

Why is the Fee Charged?

The fee is charged to ensure that the stormwater system is adequately funded and maintained. Stormwater runoff can carry pollutants such as oil, chemicals, and debris into local water bodies, which can harm the environment and public health. By funding stormwater management, the fee helps to reduce pollution, protect water quality, and prevent property damage caused by flooding. 

How is the Fee Assessed?

The stormwater management utility fee is assessed based on Equivalent Service Units (ESUs). An ESU is a measure of the impervious surface area on a property, such as rooftops, driveways, and parking lots, which prevents water from naturally soaking into the ground. In the City of Lake Stevens, one ESU is evaluated as 3,000 square feet of impervious surface. 

The number of ESUs for a property is calculated by dividing the total impervious surface area by 3,000 square feet. For example, if a property has 6,000 square feet of impervious surface, it would be assessed as having two ESUs. The fee is then determined based on the number of ESUs, ensuring that properties with more impervious surfaces, which contribute more to stormwater runoff, pay a higher fee. 

All residential properties are assessed at one ESU and not based on the total actual impervious surface. For more information regarding how these rates were determined, please refer to the 2018 Rate Study.

The rate per ESU is determined based on the adopted fees resolution. The next rate study to evaluate the ESU rate will occur in 2026 – 2027.  

Benefits of Stormwater Management 

Effective stormwater management provides numerous benefits, including: 

  • Reducing the risk of flooding and property damage.
  • Improving water quality by filtering pollutants from stormwater runoff.
  • Protecting natural habitats and preserving local ecosystems.
  • Enhancing community resilience to climate change impacts.

By paying the stormwater management utility fee, property owners contribute to a healthier and safer environment for everyone in the community.