Stormwater Utility Feasibility Study

About the Project

The County has completed a Stormwater Utility Feasibility Study and is considering a different option for funding the Stormwater program. Currently, the stormwater program is funded through the Sanitary District Tax based on a property’s real estate assessment. A stormwater utility, however, is calculated based on the amount of impervious surface on a parcel (hard surfaces like roofs and driveways that don’t let rain runoff soak into the ground). Impervious cover is a better measure of the use of the stormwater system than the property assessment. Properties with more hard surfaces that contribute more stormwater runoff to the system would pay a higher rate. Learn more about a stormwater utility.(PDF, 1MB)

Because a stormwater utility is calculated based on impervious cover, rather than based on the property’s real estate assessment, it is a fairer way to pay for stormwater. It also allows localities to offer credits to customers who reduce their properties’ runoff to the stormwater system. Many Virginia communities have transitioned to a stormwater utility to fund their stormwater programs.

Need for Increased Investment

As the July 2019 storm demonstrated, Arlington’s current stormwater infrastructure is not able to sufficiently handle more frequent and intense storms. Staff have identified the types of significant investments required to ensure watershed scale stormwater system improvement. Given the complexity, scale, and scope of these investments, these initial capacity improvement projects will take place over at least the next 10 years. The County must also invest in water quality improvement projects required to meet the Chesapeake Bay requirements in the County’s stormwater permit.

Feasibility Study Considerations

• Current stormwater funding methods, needs and levels
• Different types of funding mechanisms
• How customers might be charged for stormwater services
• Comparing Arlington County with other localities in Virginia
• Analysis of customer impacts using different types of rate structures employed by other utilities

Read the interim Stormwater Utility Feasibility Study report.

Schedule

Phase 1 – 2020-2021. Research and feasibility analysis: 

• Analysis of how a stormwater utility would affect different types of customers
• Examination of different rate structures
• Initial cost estimates for implementation and ongoing utility operation
• Final Stormwater Utility Feasibility Study Report

Phase 2 – Spring 2022-2023. Development and implementation of a stormwater utility. 

The County Board directed staff at Feb. 1, 2022 work session (video link below) to move forward with Phase 2. 

• Implementation of a stormwater utility, including robust public engagement

Public Engagement

In developing the stormwater utility, the County will engage with customers from a broad and representative range of backgrounds and interests via online feedback forms, public forums, and other engagement methods. View a stormwater utility flyer in English and Spanish.(PDF, 1MB) Click on the Engagement Timeline graphic below to view it in more detail.

We want to hear from you. Provide your input on proposed changes to how we fund the stormwater program through July 30:

Please fill out the 5-minute feedback form

El propósito de esta encuesta en línea es conocer su opinión sobre la forma en que el Condado habla de las aguas pluviales y los cambios propuestos en la forma en que se cobra por el servicio de aguas pluviales.

Spanish Feedback Form 

(PDF, 106KB)      

Stormwater Utility Community Advisory Group

The County has invited a number of organizations to join an advisory group, representing single-family and multi-family residential, commercial, religious, environmental, commercial, fiscal, non-profit and institutional sectors.  The advisory group meetings will be public, with a designated time for public comment, although the meeting discussion and agenda will be limited to the advisory group members.

If you would like to attend the SUCAG meetings as a member of the public, please email Aileen at awinquist@arlingtonva.us to receive the meeting link.