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Snohomish’s New Stormwater Utility Like many communities, Snohomish is facing a series of complex state
and federal regulations that require the City to improve water
 quality for
fish habitat. One such mandate requires that the City improve the quality
of stormwater – water that flows off hard surfaces into city drainage
systems – before it is discharged into rivers or streams. Stormwater often
contains dirt, chemicals, and other toxins that, if left untreated, reduce
oxygen levels that fish need to survive.
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Thank you to the Boys and Girls Club Volunteers
for stenciling
almost 200 catch basins this year. |
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The Snohomish City Council recently established a stormwater utility to
develop a dedicated funding source for managing and treating this type of
polluted water. Local residents and business owners previously paid for
stormwater charges as part of their sewer rates.
Snohomish’s stormwater utility is similar to other communities like
Monroe ($6.00/month), Woodinville ($7.09/month), and Duval ($16.92/month).
A typical single family home in Snohomish would be charged $3.25 per month
as part of the new utility for the first year. Businesses and multi-family
units will be charged based on the amount of impervious surface they have,
such as pavement, roofs, streets and sidewalks.
What is ‘stormwater’ and why is it a problem?
Stormwater is generally rainwater that flows into City drains.
If left untreated, this polluted water source flows into local rivers and
contaminates fish habitat. Or if flows are not controlled, local flooding
problems can occur … remember the pond that used to form after every rain
storm on Avenue D?
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Help Improve Water Quality
1. Seek to infiltrate rain water on your
property before it runs off.
2. Never dump waste products into the storm drains.
3. Repair any fluid leaks from your vehicle immediately.
4. Put pet waste in the trash or down the toilet.
5. Plant more trees to reduce runoff.
6. Don’t use nitrogen-based fertilizers on your lawn
7. If your house borders a lake or stream, allow a natural buffer to grow
to filter water
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What does a stormwater utility do?
It creates a dedicated funding source to manage and treat stormwater,
as well as undertake capital projects to provide more stormwater
education, reduce local flooding and improve fish habitat.
Does Snohomish have to do this?
Yes, federal and state agencies are enforcing parts of the Clean Water,
Endangered Species and Growth Management Acts, as well as regional water
quality plans, and state floodplain regulations. If we do not comply,
ratepayers could pay even more in fines and losses in federal funding for
other infrastructure projects.
What is this going to cost?
The average single-family homeowner would pay $3.25 per month.
Please remember that Snohomish bills every two months for utilities, so
that charge will appear as $7.50 on your first bill. Other ratepayer
classes will be charged based on how many units of impervious surface they
have. The discounts for seniors on fixed incomes and low-income household
will apply.
How Was This Rate Set?
City Council formed a Stormwater Committee from 6 local citizens of
diverse interests, who met on 5 occasions, discussed the problems and
arrived at a Stormwater utility as part of the solution.
What are you going to do with money?
For 2005 stormwater rates will fund maintenance and operation costs
only, such as cleaning catch basins and sweeping streets. Council will
look at stormwater rates in 2006 to fund critical stormwater conveyance
and fish habitat projects.
Is this a new charge?
No, stormwater costs were previously included in City sewer rates. The
creation of a new stormwater utility allows us to break out this charge as
a separate line item for clarity.
For specific questions, contact City Hall at 360-568-3115.
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Storm
Water Management
Bickford Ave Planning
