Ever looked at the Storm Drain line on your Edmonds utility bill and wondered what you’re paying for? You’re not alone. As a homeowner, you want clear answers you can trust and a simple way to estimate, verify, and manage this charge. In this guide, you’ll learn what the fee covers, how Edmonds calculates it, where to find this year’s rate, and practical steps you can take. Let’s dive in.
What your stormwater charge covers
Your stormwater fee funds the city’s storm drainage system so streets and neighborhoods can handle rain safely. It pays for routine work like catch basin cleaning, pipe repairs, street sweeping, and emergency flood response. It also supports capital projects and environmental compliance under Edmonds’ Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit requirements. The City reports maintaining roughly 7,000 catch basins and about 138 miles of storm pipe, illustrating the scale of this work. Learn more about how Edmonds uses stormwater utility funds and its permit obligations.
How Edmonds calculates your bill
Edmonds uses an Equivalent Service Unit, or ESU, to assign costs fairly across properties. According to the municipal code, a single-family residential parcel counts as one ESU. For non-residential and multi-family properties, one ESU equals 3,000 square feet of impervious surface such as roofs or paved areas. See the ESU definition and billing rules in the Edmonds Municipal Code.
- Single-family homes = 1 ESU. Your bill reflects the residential ESU rate plus any applicable utility tax.
- Non-residential: ESUs = impervious square feet ÷ 3,000. The City measures and assigns ESUs administratively.
- Rates are adopted by ordinance and typically apply to bills mailed on or after January 1 of each year.
Where to find your current rate
The dollar amount per ESU can change when the City updates the fee schedule by ordinance. To estimate your bill accurately, confirm the current ESU rate with Utility Billing or by reviewing the latest adopted ordinance referenced in the municipal code. Check the rate framework and effective date language in ECC 7.50.050. Most city utility charges, including stormwater, are also subject to a city utilities tax. You can review utility tax information here.
How to read your Edmonds utility bill
Your water, sewer, and stormwater charges appear together on a combined bill, issued monthly or every other month. Look for a line labeled Storm Drain or Stormwater to see the base fee. You may also see a separate utility tax line. If you need help verifying your parcel’s ESU count or class, start with the City’s stormwater billing page for contact details. Find the City’s stormwater billing overview and contacts.
Quick estimating examples
Use your confirmed ESU rate for the math after you verify it with the City.
- Single-family home: 1 ESU = 1 × current ESU rate, plus applicable utility tax.
- Non-residential parcel with 9,000 square feet of impervious area: 9,000 ÷ 3,000 = 3 ESUs = 3 × current ESU rate, plus taxes. See ESU rules in ECC 7.50.050.
Ways to lower your impact
Reducing runoff on your property helps the community and may support credit discussions where available.
- Route roof downspouts to pervious areas or approved infiltration features where allowed.
- Install rain gardens, bioswales, or infiltration planters.
- Replace traditional paving with permeable pavers where feasible.
- Maintain private storm drains and inlets so they stay clear and functional.
- Tap into local education programs to learn best practices. Explore city outreach resources like storm drain stenciling.
Discounts, credits, and appeals
Some residents may qualify for rate reductions under the City’s low-income provisions. Review the code and contact Utility Billing for eligibility and the application process. See low-income utility rate reductions in ECC 7.30.
Credits or administrative adjustments may be available for certain properties with private stormwater systems that reduce runoff to the public system. Contact Stormwater Engineering or Utility Billing for current credit options, documentation requirements, and inspection schedules. You can review related ordinance language or guidance to understand how adjustments are administered. Start with the City’s stormwater services overview and review ordinance references.
If you believe your ESU count or parcel classification is incorrect, you can request an administrative review. Document your site measurements, impervious areas, and any plan sets or photos, then reach out to the City for next steps. See the adjustment framework in ECC 7.50.050.
Why this matters when you buy or sell
Understanding the stormwater charge helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises after closing. If you plan site changes that add impervious area, such as a new driveway or addition, your ESU count could change after City review. For multi-family and commercial buyers, confirming the assigned ESUs and any existing credits is a smart part of due diligence. If you need parcel-specific details, the City’s Utility Billing and Stormwater Engineering teams can confirm current classifications and measurements.
If you want help interpreting how this cost fits into your home budget or a future sale, reach out anytime. For approachable, local guidance on Edmonds homeownership, connect with Jovana Rodriguez.
FAQs
What is the Storm Drain line on my Edmonds bill?
- It is the stormwater utility charge that funds the city’s storm drainage system, capital projects, and environmental compliance. See the City’s overview.
How does Edmonds calculate stormwater charges for homes and businesses?
- Single-family parcels are billed as 1 ESU. Other properties are billed by impervious area, with 1 ESU equal to 3,000 square feet. Review ECC 7.50.050.
Where can I find this year’s ESU dollar amount in Edmonds?
- Rates are set by ordinance and can change annually. Confirm with Utility Billing or check the latest ordinance referenced in the municipal code. Start with ECC 7.50.050.
Are there low-income or senior discounts for stormwater in Edmonds?
- The City’s code allows rate reductions for eligible low-income customers. Contact Utility Billing for requirements and how to apply. See ECC 7.30.
Can I appeal my ESU count or get a credit for a rain garden?
- You can request an administrative review if you believe your ESU or classification is incorrect. Credits or adjustments may be possible for qualifying private systems. Contact Stormwater Engineering or Utility Billing, and review code guidance. Learn more about services.
