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Storm Water - Homeowners FAQ

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1. What is a Storm Water Utility?

A storm water utility is very similar to water, sewer and other utilities that you are familiar with. The utility charges a fee for services provided. In this case, the service is control of storm water runoff through construction, operation and maintenance of a storm water system.

2. Why do we need to do this?

There are two main reasons. First, additional revenue is needed for storm water operations. The Environmental Protection Agency is requiring West Valley City, and 50 other cities in Utah, to improve storm water operations to prevent pollution and improve storm water quality as part of the "National Pollution Discharge Elimination System." Second, more money is needed to build storm drains. The City has estimated the cost of needed capital storm water improvements at $37 million. The current appropriations are only about $300,000 a year. At this rate it would take over 100 years to build what will be needed.

3. What is the concern about storm water quality?

A major storm water quality concern is "non-point source pollution". As the name implies, non-point source pollution comes from numerous locations and is carried through runoff. The types of pollutants include toxins, metals, oils nutrients and fecal coliform. These directly impact water quality and now represent a large percentage of the pollution picture. More frequent street sweeping and increased cleaning of storm drains can control these pollutants.

4. Isn't there already a fund for storm water?

Yes, but existing funding provides only about 10% of what is required to meet the federal storm water quality regulations, and 10% of what is needed to complete all needed improvements over the next 20 years. Additional revenue that is dedicated to storm water maintenance and capital improvements is needed.

5. How much is the Storm Water Utility Charge?

The rate has been set at $4.00 per month per ERU for a single family residence in West Valley City.

6. Is this a one-time charge?

No, it is an ongoing fee for the development of new storm water operations, control facilities, their maintenance and water quality compliance.

7. What is the service charged based on?

The service charge is based on the amount of impervious area within a property. Impervious area is the best indicator of how much you use the storm water system. The average amount of impervious area on a single-family residence is 2,830 square feet or one (1) Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU). All single-family residences will pay the same amount.

8. What is impervious surface?

When property is improved through buildings, pavement, trafficked gravel, patios and driveways, water is prevented or retarded from getting into the soil. These areas are termed impervious surfaces because they restrict natural infiltration and increase runoff from the property.

9. Why just one flat rate for residential properties?

Most residences are very similar in their impervious area. This was confirmed when we analyzed a sample of homes in the City. 95% of the homes are clustered very closely in terms of impervious area.

10. How much money will this service fee raise?

Approximately $3,000,000 annually. This program will fund capital improvements, operations, maintenance, development review, administrative services, field inspection and regulatory compliance.

11. Who has to pay?

All developed property within the City will pay the storm water service fee. That includes houses, schools, public facilities, churches and businesses. The only exceptions are streets within the City and within planned residential developments. These areas are excluded because they are designed to collect and carry storm water runoff.

12. Why are churches and schools being billed?

The service charge, just like water and sewer fees, is based upon the cost of services provided. Because this is not a tax, it is collected from all customers who receive service. Churches and schools contribute a significant amount of runoff to the City because of their size and amount of hard surface. They will be treated like all other customers under the rate structure.

13. How will I be billed?

After investigating several billing options, the City determined a billing agreement with Utah Power would be the most economical method. Storm Water Utility customers will pay their storm water fee with their power bill to Utah Power. Utah Power will then remit the funds collected back to the City.

14. Why not add this to my property taxes?

Property taxes are based upon the assessed valuation of land and their improvements. These values have little relationship to an individual property's use of the storm drainage system. A service fee, applied to all parcels, is a more equitable method of funding the program. Many tax-exempt properties, such as schools, churches and government agencies are large contributors to the storm water runoff problem. They will pay their share of the utility fee.

15. Can I deduct the storm water fee on my taxes?

This is a service fee and not a tax. It can not be deducted from your income tax.

16. How can you impose this fee without a vote?

This is not a tax but a user fee. A public vote is not required to impose a user fee. The Storm Water Citizen's Advisory Committee and the West Valley City Council have reviewed a number of options for funding storm water management. The ordinance was presented for approval at the February 6, 2001 Council session, which also included a public hearing on the issue.

17. I am a renter; do I pay the fee or my landlord?

Under most conditions, the bill will go to whoever pays the power bill for the property.

18. What happens if I don't pay?

Most of our customers have an excellent payment history and have been able to remain current with their bills. Unpaid bills will be referred to the City Attorneys office for collection.

19. Is it possible to have my fee reduced?

Yes, low-income residents may qualify to have their fee abated. Applications are available through the City Finance Department and must be renewed annually.

20. Where does the money go?

Some of the other important components of this program include: a) increased maintenance of the City's storm water system, b) additional street sweeping, c) inspection and enforcement of storm water regulations and standards, d) public information and education, e) construction of long overdue storm water facilities.

21. Why should I have to pay?

You might not have a problem, but the runoff generated from your property contributes to the overall problem. Fertilizer from your lawn adds phosphates, to storm runoff. Eventually, everybody will share in the program through an improved environment, better access to roads during storm events and reduced flooding.

22. Isn't this money going to take care of the drainage problems created by new development?

No, every developer is required to provide the drainage improvements necessary to handle the runoff generated by that development. Developers must also pay an impact fee or construct an equivalent portion of the City's storm drain system to relieve the impact of the new development on the overall system. All impervious area created by these new developments will be included within the storm water utility and will pay the service fee as everyone else in the City.

23. How are condominiums charged?

They will be billed in one of two ways. Condominium units are included under the Utility's definition of a single-family residence. Therefore, each unit will be charged as one (1) ERU on their power bill. However, in cases where this definition overstates the actual amount of impervious surface, the entire complex can be measured and the bill sent to the Condominium Owner's Association.

24. My home is not connected to the City's drainage system. Therefore, why should I have to pay?

Your property may not be physically connected to the drainage system in the same manner as water or sewer but you are still provided service. How? The Storm Water Utility will establish design criteria, regulate development, and improve and maintain upstream storm water facilities that protect your property from flooding. The Utility's work will reduce storm water pollutants that degrade our culinary water quality and the environment in the City. Every property owner in West Valley City is served by these activities.

25. Has this program been used anywhere else?

Yes, there are many storm water utilities in large and small communities throughout the nation, with many more in the planning stages. Locally, Centerville, Orem, Sandy, Provo and Salt Lake City have implemented fees for storm water management.

26. How can I be sure this fee won't pay for other City projects?

Under law, storm water fees may not exceed the cost of providing storm water improvements and services. Your fees will go into an "enterprise" or special fund that will be used only for the storm water program. This fund will be audited annually by professional auditors, to ensure compliance.

27. How can I get help with a neighborhood storm water problem?

Give us a call at (801) 963-3334 or email us.