What is a stormwater utility? A stormwater utility is based on the premise that the urban drainage system is a public system, similar to water or wastewater systems. When a demand is placed on these systems, the user is responsible for that service. A stormwater utility, like other utilities, provides a service to the public, supported by charging fees to its customers. As a separate enterprise fund, the utility charges to operate and maintain the existing system, and, under certain conditions finance capital improvements. User fees provide a consistent, predictable, long-term revenue source.

The stormwater rate system bills properties based on the flows that they generate that make use of the stormwater system, as represented by impervious area. Impervious surfaces do not absorb water. Examples of impervious areas include roofs, pavement, sidewalks, patios, and gravel or crushed stone surfaces.

Now that you know, please come to a seminar, Providing Communities with Tools and Resources for developing and implementing a Stormwater Utility, to learn more about why HRWC thinks they are so effective and successful in watershed management.

Sponsors: Huron River Watershed Council and CDM Michigan

March 26, 2010 – 8:30-12:00 pm – The NEW Center, 1100 N. Main St. Ann Arbor. This seminar is free but advance registration is required.  Please send an email to lrubin@hrwc.org.

Program
8:30am Welcome and Seminar Overview
Laura Rubin, Executive Director, HRWC
Mark TenBroek, Vice President, CDM

8:45am What is a Stormwater Utility?
John Aldrich, Senior Vice President, CDM

9:30am Case Studies- Issues and Opportunities
Molly Wade and Jerry Hancock, City of Ann Arbor
Kyle Dreyfuss-Wells, NE Ohio Regional Sewer District
Discussion

11:10am Break

11:20am Statewide Legislation
Amy Mangus, Coordinator, SEMCOG Environmental Programs

11:50am Closing Remarks

12:00pm Adjourn