BALTIMORE MD (September 19, 2013) - As the first bills to include the Maryland Stormwater Fee are mailed to customers this week, the Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) is making available a variety of information related to its implementation of the fee. The material includes details about the fee for individual properties, and explanations of credits to reduce the fee.

The information is available on the Stormwater tab of DPW's cleanwaterbaltimore.org website.  

The first bills to include the new stormwater fee will roll out over the next three months. The Maryland Stormwater Fee was mandated by a 2012 State law that requires the 10 largest jurisdictions, including Baltimore, to provide a sustainable, dedicated revenue source for maintaining and improving the stormwater management system. Stormwater runoff spreads litter, bacteria and chemicals from streets and yards, and poses pollution, flooding and erosion hazards.

“Our stormwater management program will make our neighborhoods cleaner and healthier by restoring streams and rebuilding crumbling storm sewers under our streets,” said DPW Director Alfred H. Foxx.  

The stormwater fee is based on the amount of a property's impervious surface. These water-resistant surfaces – such as roofs, driveways and walkways – keep stormwater from seeping into the ground and contribute to runoff. Single family properties are divided into three payment tiers, based on the amount of the property’s impervious surface. The fees range from $10 to $30 per quarter.

The Baltimore DPW is making credits available for customers who take steps to reduce the impact of stormwater, either on their property or through community programs. Low-income residents may be able to qualify for hardship exemptions or other forms of assistance.

Additional fee structures have been established for non-single family properties. These properties also have different types of credits and fee reductions available. Owners of these properties may also find additional information by visiting the Stormwater tab at cleanwaterbaltimore.org.