Stormwater is precipitation that falls from the sky – rain or snow. The gutter in the street outside your house carries stormwater into a network of storm drains that lead straight to local creeks and rivers. Storm drains are separate from the sanitary sewer system, which handles wastewater from your sinks, tubs and toilets. Unlike wastewater, stormwater is not treated at a sewage treatment plant.

Stormwater goes directly from the storm drainage system into our local creeks and rivers.

Anything on the sidewalks and streets, such as grass clippings, leaves, pet waste, trash or excess fertilizer, is carried away by stormwater runoff and ends up in storm drains, where it flows into our rivers, lakes and streams.

Eliminating Stormwater Pollution Through Prevention

What can you do?

• Bag pet wastes.
• Avoid over-watering.
• Apply fertilizer sparingly and at the right time.
• Carefully read and follow package directions for pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers.
• Dispose of lawn and garden chemicals properly.
• Never dump motor oil, petroleum products, antifreeze, transmission fluids, engine cleaners or battery acid down storm drains or on the ground.
• If a spill occurs, do not rinse the area with water. Instead use kitty litter, sawdust, or wood chips to soak up the fluid then put it into the trash.

Northglenn's Stormwater Program

In 2002, the city launched the Stormwater Program. This federally-mandated program is administered by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment's Water Quality Control Division. The goal of the city's program is to reduce the amount of pollutants entering streams, creeks, lakes and rivers as a result of rain water and snow-melt from residential, commercial and industrial areas. This ensures the safety of water bodies for drinking water sources and for recreational uses.

The city was required to apply to the state for a Stormwater Discharge Permit. The Stormwater Discharge Permit sets the guidelines for compliance with the Colorado Water Quality Control Act and the Federal Clean Water Act. The city must set specific goals for each year of the permit. The city received the approved permit on March 13, 2003. The permit must be renewed every five years for the life of the federal program.

Through the Stormwater Program, the city is pledging its commitment to reduce and help prevent stormwater pollution and keep state waters clean and pure for generations to come.

Stormwater Fee: What is it?

On Feb. 26, 2004, City Council approved the structure of a Stormwater Impact Fee to fund and implement programs required to comply with the federally-mandated Phase II Stormwater Management Program. As with many other federal regulations, this program is an unfunded mandate. The city is required to establish a stormwater discharge control program that meets the requirements of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This fee will be used to finance the costs of the required Stormwater Program and provide a funding mechanism to maintain and improve our storm drainage system.

The fee is based on the type and size of properties within the city limits and current and future infrastructure needs. This fee has been established through a resolution. Each commercial property – which includes all churches and non-profit, industrial, office, state or federal properties – will be assessed $20 per acre per month. The amount is calculated to the nearest tenth of an acre, based on Adams County assessor property records. The minimum charge will be $2 per month. Each residential property will be charged $2 per month.

The fee began on the April 2004 water and sewer bill. If you have multiple water meters on your property, the Stormwater Impact Fee will only be attached to one of those meters.

The fee will generate approximately $430,000 annually to implement the programs required to comply with the city's Phase II Stormwater Permit. It will also help complete drainage system and flood control projects and upgrades that currently are unfunded.