What is a stormwater service utility and why do we need it?
A stormwater service utility is a system that charges a fee for stormwater services, just like a water or sanitation utility. Fees are used for engineering services, operation and maintenance of the stormwater infrastructure, and capital improvements to control flooding and improve water quality. Section 402(P) of the Federal Clean Water Act (PL 92-500) and the State’s Growth Management Act of 1985 (F.S. 163) mandate that the City clean up stormwater before it drains into the lakes, creeks, and bays. However, they do not provide funds to do it. In order to raise the millions of dollars necessary to collect stormwater effectively, and to clean it up, the City had to find a new way to raise revenue. The stormwater utility (or management system) will collect the water, treat it and dispose of it. At the same time, it will maintain the drainage system and plan for future collection systems.
