Stormwater Utility FAQ for Residential Customers
Beginning in January 2003, the EPCOR bill started to include a City of Edmonton utility charge for stormwater under the general heading "Drainage". EPCOR is collecting this fee on behalf of the City.
The utility pays for the collection and disposal of stormwater, and includes storm sewer construction, maintenance and environmental needs. Property owners previously paid this expense through property taxes.
The Stormwater Utility is considered more fair and equitable, as it collects revenue from all customers who benefit from the storm sewer system.
The Stormwater Utility was approved by City Council on July 2, 2002 and took effect January 1, 2003.
Stormwater refers to rain water, snowmelt or excess water from lawn watering that flows off streets and lots. The storm sewer system collects stormwater and disposes it into stormwater lakes, creeks, or the North Saskatchewan River.
The fee is for the collection, quality enhancement and disposal of stormwater that runs off our streets and properties into the sewer system. It includes construction and maintenance of storm sewers, as well as other stormwater management/quality enhancement facilities.
Yes, the utility collects a fee from all customers who benefit from the system. This is to ensure the system is fair and equitable to everyone.
Stormwater is considered a utility because it provides a base service and benefit to customers. The charge is for the base service, just like there is a basic or flat service fee each month for the use of the sanitary sewer.
In both Canada and the U.S., other municipalities have implemented Stormwater Utility.
Not anymore. The Stormwater Utility replaces paying for the system through property taxes.
No. It appears on the EPCOR bill each month.
- Area of property - your lot size in square metres (m2).
- Development Intensity - the measure of the portion of lot being utilized for its intended development.
- For residential customers the intensity of development factor is 1
- For non-residential properties that are largely undeveloped or utilizing on-site stormwater management, a reduced factor may apply
- Properties draining directly to the North Saskatchewan River are eligible for a credit to reduce their stormwater fee
- Run-off coefficient - the permeability of your lot's surface (i.e. grass versus concrete), based on land zoning.
- The run-off coefficient for a single detached residential house is typically 0.5-0.65. However, depending on your property's land zoning classification, the run-off coefficient can range from 0.20 to 0.95.
- Rate - The rate approved by City Council applies to all properties.
From the property tax assessment database.
Call 311 for more information.
The rate was set to ensure that the City’s drainage system can maintain services and infrastructure as well as meet its financial obligations in the future.
Yes, all residential customers pay the same base rate (as approved by Council). However, the monthly fee may vary depending on the size of the lot and the land zoning type of the property.
Yes. Intensity of development factor is the measure of the portion of lot being used for its intended development. The intensity development factor is 1 for residential customers.
Your neighbour's lot may be smaller. The charge is not based on the value of a residential property but the size of the lot and the land zoning type of the property.
No, GST is not charged on City Drainage fees.
Every year, City Council determines what the needs and rate requirements are for the following year. These discussions determine if there is an increase required.
No. There is no rebate or credit program for capturing and containing stormwater in rain barrels or through absorbent landscaping.
The reasons are twofold. First, the use of rain barrels and absorbent landscaping does not significantly decrease runoff during a large rainfall event. Second, implementing and administering such a credit program is too costly. These costs would far outweigh any financial savings to the ratepayer.
Call 311 for more information.
