Stormwater
Stormwater runoff is rainfall or snow melt that flows over the ground surface. It is created when rain falls on roads, driveways, parking lots, rooftops and other paved surfaces that do not allow water to soak into the ground. As it runs off these surfaces, pollutants like heavy metals, oils, fertilizers, and pesticides are collected. If not managed correctly, these pollutants are harmful to our environment, particularly our waters such as the Spokane River or Spokane Valley-Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer.
The Stormwater Utility Program operates and maintains the city’s nearly 14,000 stormwater assets, such as drains, pipe and treatment facilities. The utility also ensures compliance with applicable stormwater management regulations created and enforced by the Washington State Department of Ecology and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Utility Fees & Program Development
- Explained: 2023 Stormwater Utility Fee (PDF)
- Stormwater Utility Fee Calculation (PDF)
- 2022 Stormwater Utility Program Master Plan (PDF)
Compliance Documents
- 2023 Stormwater Management Program (SWMP) Plan (PDF) - regulated MS4 areas
- Would you like to comment on existing or future SWMP plans? Comment on our SVexpress website, select "request a service" and then "Stormwater Management Program Plan (SWMP)."
- 2022 Annual Report - regulated MS4 areas (PDF)
- 2023 Operations and Maintenance Manual (PDF) - regulated MS4 areas