2024 Stormwater Utility Fee Increase

The Athens-Clarke County Stormwater Utility Fee increase begins with the July 2024 bills. The decision was made during the Tuesday, January 2, 2024, Mayor and Commission meeting with a vote of 9-1. The fee has not been changed since its inception in 2005.

Another 3.75% increase will take effect with the July 2025 Stormwater bills. For approximate fee calculations and a schedule of rate increases through 2033, visit this page.

 Every one of us contributes to the stormwater system based on impermeable surfaces such as driveways, rooftops, patios and parking lots. Fee dollars build funding for significant investments in stormwater pipes, drains and culverts that improve resiliency of Athens-Clarke County roads. The roads we all depend on in some way, each day and night, rain or shine. We all receive the benefits of Athens-Clarke County’s (ACC) Stormwater utility. The stormwater utility ensures that every property owner pays their fair share for the safe management of stormwater and sound protection of water quality in Athens. The increased fee allows for a dedicated source of funding that reflects current infrastructure and economic conditions for public stormwater capital costs (primarily the stormwater pipes underground).

 Additional details, including rate change breakdown and FAQs will be available closer to the rate structure change date.

Together, we can stop water pollution.

The Stormwater Management Program is dedicated to protecting Athens-Clarke County water from the moment it runs off our streets to the moment it reaches our streams. Our program operates under the NPDES General Permit for Phase II Stormwater Discharges. This permit lays out requirements necessary to properly manage stormwater (non-point source pollution) and pollutant discharges to our waters. Learn more about our program by clicking through the various pages shown on the menu to the left.