Stormwater Utility Credit Program
The Stormwater Utility credit application period is now open through January 31, 2026. Note: This is the first year that recertification is required to continue receiving ongoing voluntary credits from the 2023–2024 application period.
The credit application period is now open through Jan. 31, 2026. If you take certain actions throughout the 2025 calendar year to improve the environment and reduce stormwater runoff on your property, you can apply for credit to offset a percentage of your Stormwater Utility bill in 2026.
View the Credit Manual in English or Spanish for more details on credit guidelines for each type of credit, submission requirements, tips for success and more. Any approved credits will be applied to the following year’s real property tax bill, split equally between the first and second bill. Note: The amount of voluntary credit that can be earned is capped at 35% per property.
Apply for voluntary credit through the County's Request Service/Report a Problem tool below.
Request Service/Report a Problem
Mandatory Credits
Mandatory credits are automatically given if you were required to install stormwater facilities as a condition of construction or redevelopment and you remain in compliance with the required inspections. If mandatory stormwater facilities are installed on your property, you should have received a letter with more information on how to qualify for mandatory stormwater credits.
Voluntary Credits
Voluntary credits are elective actions that property owners can choose to take to reduce stormwater runoff or improve the environment.
Single Family Residential - Attached (SFA) and Detached (SFD) property owners have the following credit options:
5% Voluntary Credits
Voluntary credits can only be awarded once per voluntary action type, with no duplications.
10% Voluntary Credits
Voluntary credits can only be awarded once per voluntary action type, with no duplications.
Single Family Residential - Homeowner Associations (HOAs) have the following credit options:
5% Voluntary Credits
Voluntary credits can only be awarded once per voluntary action type, with no duplications.
10% Voluntary Credits
Voluntary credits can only be awarded once per voluntary action type, with no duplications.
Multi-Family Residential and Non-Residential properties have the following credit options:
5% Voluntary Credits
Voluntary credits can only be awarded once per voluntary action type, with no duplications.
10% Voluntary Credits
Voluntary credits can only be awarded once per voluntary action type, with an exception for volunteer events. Volunteer events (i.e., Adopt-a-Street, stream clean-up and invasive plant clean-up) may be repeated during the credit year for a maximum of 30% credit.
Note: For multi-family residential condominiums, applications for credits must be made by a condominium owners association or one owner on behalf of all association members, provided that all associated real property codes (RPCs) are listed in the credit application. If a credit application is approved, the credit will be applied to each account holder listed as a member of the association as provided in the application.
How to Apply for Voluntary Credits
Visit Report-a-Problem, select "Request Service / Report a Problem" and enter your address on the following page to start your Stormwater Voluntary Credit Application.
View step-by-step instructions on how to apply and to create an account for managing your credit application in our Customer Handbook. Note: Account creation is not required but recommended for receiving application status updates and to make application revisions, if necessary.
Voluntary credit applications must be submitted online. If you do not have access to a computer or internet, please call 703-228-5577 to receive assistance on completing the online submission.
Credit Recertification
Applicants who received one of the following credits in 2024 will need to recertify their credit type to continue receiving the credit for 2026–2027:
- Conservation Landscaping
- Rain garden
- Rainwater Collection
- Permeable Driveways
Courtesy notices were sent to those eligible for recertification of one of the above credit types. Watch the How to Renew an Ongoing Credit video for step-by-step directions on how to recertify.
More Information
How to Apply for Credit Video
Stormwater Credit Manual
English | Spanish(PDF, 4MB)
Credit Program Factsheet
English | Spanish | Amharic | Arabic | Mongolian | Bengali