What happens when it rains?

Rainwater runs across impervious surfaces (parking lots, roofs, streets, etc.) and collects in the City’s storm sewers. Most of this water then travels directly into our rivers and streams. Occasionally, excess rainwater overwhelms the storm sewers, or these facilities fail to function as designed. The water then floods into our homes, businesses and streets. In some locations (depending on the age and design of the storm and sanitary sewers) rainwater may overflow out of the storm sewer system and into an adjacent sanitary sewer system. These excess flows are sometimes discharged directly into the watershed.

What are we required to do with the stormwater?

The Federal EPA has designated Morgantown as a “Phase 2” stormwater community. This means that the City must actively manage stormwater to the new EPA standards. Morgantown is subject to significant penalties if we fail to comply with the Federal requirements.

What are the benefits of stormwater management?

By enacting stormwater management, we will comply with Federal requirements. This also means that we will improve the water quality in our urban watershed. Other benefits may include flood control, a significant reduction in pollution caused by surcharged sanitary sewers, improved watershed planning, public education, and the improved maintenance, repair, and expansion of our stormwater collection system.

Isn’t this service paid for out of my taxes?

Historically, stormwater management has been funded out of the City’s general revenue fund through dollars generated by taxation. Compliance with the new Federal standard requires considerable additional funding. Additionally, to support the new construction in our town, we must provide new stormwater management facilities. Without additional efforts toward stormwater management, urban development in and around Morgantown will degrade the quality of our water, and thus our quality of life. Therefore, City Council has established a reliable and fair system to collect additional and dedicated revenues for stormwater management.

What is a fair way to fund the required stormwater management activities?

In accordance with West Virginia law, all properties discharging water into the City watershed are required to participate in the stormwater utility, regardless of whether the property is within or outside the City limits. As with any other utility service, fees are assessed based upon the amount of service provided by the utility. In other words, a service fee is charged based upon the amount of stormwater that runs off a property and into our watershed.