New stormwater utility rates start Oct. 1

The City of San Marcos has established new stormwater utility rates, pending council approval in the fiscal year 2021 budget. 

The rates were adapted in an effort to create a more equitable and sustainable customer rate structure and will go into effect Oct. 1.

“The stormwater utility was implemented in 1999 with an original fee structure based on lot size or land use type,” said Laurie Moyer, Director of Engineering and Capital Improvements. “The new system, which is widely used across Texas drainage utilities, determines the rate more accurately by calculating it based on impervious surface coverage, rather than property size.”

Impervious surfaces such as rooftops, parking areas, driveways, compacted surfaces and private walkways increase the volume and flow rate of stormwater runoff. As a result, the amount of impervious surface on each property is proportional to its use of the city’s drainage infrastructure system.

“Our stormwater infrastructure is so important in San Marcos due to our high probability for flooding,” said Moyer. “While many stormwater utility customers will experience a monthly fee change with the transition to the new structure, the average customer will see a seventy-nine cent change per month.”

Aerial photography has been used to determine the amount of impervious, or artificial surface on each land parcel in San Marcos, and a fee will be assigned accordingly. Fee calculation will also take into consideration the residential or nonresidential status. 

The city’s website has a Stormwater Utility Fee tool to help property owners in determining their new stormwater utility fee, available here at http://www.sanmarcostx.gov/stormwaterfee.

The stormwater utility fee is a funding source for drainage improvement projects and operation/maintenance for pipes, channels, stormwater detention and water quality facilities. The goal of drainage projects is to reduce flooding, improve water quality and maintain regulatory compliance.

For additional stormwater utility rate information or to submit questions regarding the new stormwater utility fee, visit the Stormwater Utility Fee page at http://www.sanmarcostx.gov/3243/Stormwater-Utility-Fee-Information, contact the Engineering and Capital Improvements Department at (512) 393-8130 or email stormwaterinfo@sanmarcostx.gov.