Stormwater Utility

Stormwater Utility
475 South Nelson Avenue
(937) 382-2413

Stormwater Logo

The City of Wilmington Stormwater Utility was established by City Council in September 2020.  This action follows the lead of more than 100 other Ohio communities who have launched stormwater utilities over the past 20 years.

Until now, stormwater collection activities within the City have been funded by wastewater fees. This was not a proper arrangement. It resulted in stormwater issues going unaddressed, in favor of wastewater projects.

What is Stormwater?

It is important to understand that there is a significant difference between stormwater and wastewater. Each has its own independent collection system.

Stormwater is the runoff from naturally occurring precipitation (rain, snow) and must be prevented from entering the sanitary sewer system. Stormwater is directed to streams and is not supposed to enter the wastewater system.

Wastewater is “used” water that goes down the drain from homes and businesses into the sanitary sewer system. Wastewater flows to the treatment plant to be cleaned up before being released into Lytle Creek. By law, untreated wastewater cannot enter the storm sewer system.

Over the past 30 years, average precipitation has increased by over 4 inches annually in southwest Ohio. At the same time, rainstorms have become more intense. Both changes have put additional stress on the City’s stormwater infrastructure, leading to an unacceptable amount of stormwater getting into wastewater system.

How are stormwater fees used by the City?

Stormwater fees will be used to investigate and implement changes, improvements, and repairs needed to maintain the separation between the two piping systems. In addition to addressing flooding issues and eliminating cross-connections between the two piping systems, cities are mandated by both U.S. and Ohio EPA to establish and implement a Stormwater Management Plan.

How are stormwater fees calculated?

The stormwater utility fee is based on the amount of impervious surface on each property. Impervious surfaces include rooftops, driveways, sidewalks and patios, which do not allow for the absorption of stormwater into the ground. Charges will begin in July 2021 — appearing on the same bill as water, wastewater, trash and recycling services.  Each parcel within the City was individually examined to determine its impervious surface area. The stormwater fee was set by City Council at $0.0271 per square foot of impervious surface per year, billed monthly.

How much will I pay?

Below is a chart showing estimated charges.

Every property with impervious surfaces within the City will pay a “fair share.”

Property owners are encouraged to visit the following website, zoom in, and click on their property to see what the monthly and yearly fee will be. Click below for a searchable map of stormwater fees.

Clear here for a hints on using the Stormwater Fee map: Stormwater Fee Map Guide

Although every effort was made to accurately assess each parcel, it is possible some may have been miscalculated.  We will continue to update the system as needed.

Who can I contact for more information?

Please email questions or comments to stormwater@wilmingtonps.org. Emailing questions to the City will allow for more accurate and timely responses.

For additional information about the City’s Stormwater Program, visit our Stormwater Program page.

ERIC GREEN
Stormwater Administrator
City of Wilmington