The City of Gig Harbor operates a stormwater utility that manages storm runoff from hard surfaces like roofs, driveways, roadways, etc. There are many state and federal requirements for operating and maintaining a public stormwater system including following a Stormwater Management Program. The city's storm utility fee was created in 1984 to support this work and is levied on all developed real property within city limits. The public stormwater system benefits the community by protecting people, property, and the environment from flooding and pollution problems.

WHY DO I PAY A STORMWATER UTILITY BILL?

The stormwater utility is similar to a water or sewer utility fee but instead of usage, it is charged based on hard surface area. It funds the operation and maintenance of the public stormwater system and represents an equitable way for the community to share the cost of this public service. The fee is collected in accordance with Gig Harbor Municipal Code (GHMC) Title 14.10.

All developed properties, as defined in GHMC Title 14.10, are charged the stormwater utility fee based on the amount of hard surface within the parcel boundaries. The fee is NOT  based on connection to the public stormwater system or how stormwater is managed on the parcel.

What is "Hard Surface"?

A "hard surface" is one that stops or slows rainwater from soaking into the ground and creates more runoff such as:

• Roofs (buildings, carports, sheds, etc.) 
• Driveways (concrete, asphalt, or gravel) 
• Pavement (roads, sidewalks, parking lots, patios, etc.)

*Note that The Department of Ecology defines gravel as a hard surface and the city has adopted this definition.

How is the fee assessed?

For single-family residences, properties are placed in a class (small, medium, large) according to its hard surface area and charged on a tiered basis.

For all other developed parcels, the fee is charged based on the number of equivalent billing units (EBU's) calculated on the parcel. See GHMC Title 14.10 for the current definition of EBU.

Current rates can be found on our Stormwater Rates page.

What does the stormwater utility pay for?

The stormwater utility pays for implementation of the Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP) as required by the city's NPDES Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit. Elements of the SWMP include:

Operations & Maintenance

Routine upkeep of drains, pipes, ponds, filters, and everything else that makes up our public stormwater system.

System Improvements

Repair and replacement of failing parts of the public stormwater system as well as stormwater capital improvement projects.

Education & Outreach

Programs designed to teach residents and businesses about stormwater's impact on the environment and how to help.

And much more!

Everyone benefits from a properly working stormater system!