Stormwater regulations enacted by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) have provided many improvements in the control and treatment of our urban stormwater runoff. However, the requirements have left communities with stormwater collection and treatment systems that require ongoing maintenance. One way to manage the related costs is to establish a stormwater utility in your community.

Many communities have established stormwater utilities alongside their sanitary sewer and water utilities to recover the costs of establishing, operating, and maintaining these systems.

Who can create a stormwater utility?
Any town, village, or city in Wisconsin may create and operate a stormwater utility system according to §66.0821 of state statutes.

What can be funded under a stormwater utility?
Storm sewer service charges may be established to meet all or any part of the costs of construction, improvement, extension, operation, maintenance, repair, and depreciation.

How can a stormwater utility be funded?
Funding for such a utility system may be provided by any combination of general fund taxation, special assessments levied against benefited properties, sewer service charges, municipal debt obligations, or revenue bonds.

How is a stormwater utility regulated and operated?
A stormwater utility operated under §66.0821 is governed by the provisions of §§66.0809 to 66.0813 of Wisconsin statutes, which establish regulations pertaining to utility charges, revenues, and the provision of service outside a municipality by its utility. Rates are subject to Public Service Commission oversight.

A separate stormwater utility or one combined with a wastewater utility may be created and has broad power to construct or acquire facilities for storm and surface water collection and treatment, including but not limited to mains, pumping stations, and treatment facilities. Such a system may be integrated with one operated by another municipality and may involve the development of interceptor systems. The law incorporates flexibility designed to meet the individual municipality’s needs and local administrative prerogatives.