Stormwater Utility FAQ for Non-Residential Customers
Beginning in January 2003, the EPCOR bill started to include a City of Edmonton utility charge for land drainage 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 Drainage Utility is considered more fair and equitable, as it collects revenue from all customers who benefit from the stormwater 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.
The rates in Edmonton are about average compared to existing utilities in Canada and the U.S.
Not anymore. The Stormwater Utility replaces paying for the system through property taxes.
No. It appears on the EPCOR bill each month.
The utility fee reflects the demand each type of property places on the system.
The monthly stormwater fee which may vary for each property is calculated based on four factors:
- Area of Property – The lot size in square metres.
- Intensity of Development Factor – The measure of the portion of lot being utilized for its intended development. Typically, the factor is 1. For properties which are largely undeveloped or utilizing on-site stormwater management, or for properties draining directly to the North Saskatchewan River, a reduced factor may apply.
- Runoff coefficient – The measure of runoff, acknowledging impervious characteristics of the property as identified by zoning type. Example – grass areas have less runoff than concrete. Depending on the zoning type runoff factors vary from 0.2 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.
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.
Yes. There is a credit program for non-residential customers who have largely undeveloped properties, on-site stormwater management systems, or properties draining directly into the North Saskatchewan River. Information and application forms on the credit program are available on the website at www.edmonton.ca/drainage, or by calling 311.
Only the development intensity factor can be appealed. Customers who have applied for a credit program to reduce their utility bill, but cannot reach an agreement with the City on their property's development intensity, can appeal. For more information on appeals, call 311 or Drainage Services at 780-496-5454, or visit our website at www.edmonton.ca/drainage.
Call 311 for more information.
