First Time Storm Water Fees Hit Bills Today

A first-ever storm water fee will be tacked onto Metro Water Services bills starting this month to pay for drainage control projects.

The monthly fees range from a $1.50 to $4.50 for residential customers, depending on the amount of impervious surface on the lot.

Metro Water spokeswoman Sonia Harvat says the department estimated the square footage of driveways and rooftops.

“Rather than look at each home individually, which would be extremely time consuming, we did a more general approach and looked at neighborhoods.”

But, Harvat says, that’s meant some property owners with much smaller houses than those surrounding them could be overcharged if they don’t request a review.

Square footage for commercial customers was measured more exactly by satellite photos. They will be charged a maximum of $400 per month.

Harvat says the proceeds will allow drainage correction projects to get underway as soon as in the next few weeks. An additional 7% increase in water and sewer rates has meant the department could start replacing old pipes as well.

To request a storm water fee review, click here.