Why is Wellesley considering a Stormwater Utility?

The Department of Public Works (DPW) has long been responsible for operating, maintaining, and improving the Town’s drainage system, which includes 130 miles of pipeline and thousands of catch basins, manholes, and water quality treatment practices. A well-functioning drainage system keeps roads passable and protects public health and private property. In the last 20 years, the stormwater program has expanded to include water quality considerations under the Clean Water Act. In the immediate future, the program will need to evolve to address the impacts of climate change according to the Town’s Climate Action Plan. The stormwater management program has historically been funded through the General Fund (tax revenue). 

A stormwater utility that generates revenue through fees is a more equitable way to pay for this necessary work. A stormwater utility is similar to water and sewer utilities, which allocates costs based on the amount of use. In this case, use is measured by the amount of impervious area (IA). An Enterprise Fund allows revenue to be collected from all properties (including tax-exempt) and applied directly to stormwater-specific costs.

Show All Answers

1. Why is Wellesley considering a Stormwater Utility?
2. What will be funded by the Stormwater Utility? What are the benefits?
3. What is impervious area?
4. How is impervious area calculated and maintained?
5. How are fees determined?
6. How does Wellesley’s Fee Compare to other Towns?
7. Does this impact other enterprise funds?
8. How frequently will bills be issued?
9. How are leased properties billed?
10. How are condominiums and town houses billed?
11. How can a property owner reduce their stormwater fee?