A stormwater credit or fee discount usually lowers a recurring utility charge after the property installs or maintains an approved runoff practice. It is not automatically a construction reimbursement, and the savings may be modest compared with project cost.
Think of the credit as payment for continued stormwater performance. The property may need to keep the feature working, renew the credit, allow inspection, or submit maintenance records.
When the answer changes
| Situation | What it means |
|---|---|
| Automatic credit | The utility may apply it from existing parcel data without a new project application. |
| Practice-based credit | A qualifying rain garden, permeable surface, barrel, or other control earns a defined reduction. |
| Performance-based credit | The reduction depends on impervious area or runoff managed. |
| One-time barrel credit | A specific product may receive a one-time account credit while other practices earn recurring savings. |
| Fee discount plus construction incentive | Two separate programs may exist; do not assume using one enrolls you in the other. |
The program’s own definitions control. Use this table to know what to ask—not to replace the official application, agreement, design, or local approval.
What to do next
- Confirm that the parcel is billed the eligible stormwater fee.
- Ask how the credit is calculated and what the maximum reduction is.
- Verify which existing or proposed practices count.
- Submit drawings, measurements, photos, or certifications required.
- Keep the approval and note renewal and maintenance dates.
- Check future bills and report ownership or system changes.
Real programs to compare
DeKalb County Stormwater Utility Credit Program
Maximum credit: 40%. Credit components: four 10% performance credits. 2025 single ERU annual fee: $120.00. Implied single ERU maximum annual savings: $48.00.
Savannah Residential GI/LID Stormwater User Fee Credit
20% off stormwater user fee.
Detroit Residential Green Credit
25% of the residential drainage charge.
Residential Stormwater Utility Credit
Standard: 35% stormwater credit. Green zone: 45% stormwater credit.
Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority Xeriscape Rebate
$3.00 per square foot of qualifying high water use turf removed.
Individual Residential Property Stormwater Fee Credit
Individual residential credit: 25% of stormwater fee.
Clean River Rewards
Up to 35% of the total stormwater charge.
Lancaster Stormwater Management Fee Credit
Up to 50% of stormwater management fee.
Pittsburgh Water Stormwater Credit Program
Residential stormwater control: reduction to next lower residential tier. Tier 1 property: 50% fee reduction. Rain barrel: $40.00 one time bill credit. 2026 monthly tiers: tier 1: $5.75. Tier 2: $11.50. Tier 3: $22.99.
Common mistakes
- Calling a credit a rebate check.
- Estimating payback from the maximum advertised percentage without checking the actual bill.
- Filling, paving, disconnecting, or neglecting the practice after approval.
- Missing renewal or recertification.
A five-minute check before you commit money
- I confirmed the exact address, account, applicant, and property type.
- I opened the current official program source.
- I know whether approval or a contract must come before work or purchase.
- I can separate required, allowed, reimbursable, and excluded work.
- I know who pays first and what proof is required.
- I saved the important answer or approval in writing.
FAQs
Will the utility pay for my project?
A credit usually reduces the bill. A separate rebate or cost-share program may help with construction.
Does a rain barrel always earn a credit?
No. Eligible practices and calculations vary by utility.
What happens when I sell the property?
The credit may stay with the parcel, require transfer, or need recertification. Check local rules.
Official sources
Rules vary by program. Use the official sources below to confirm the details that apply to your project.
- https://dekalbcountyga.gov/departments/public-works/roads-and-drainage/stormwater-management
- https://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/sites/default/files/user18/StormwaterUtilityCreditManual.pdf
- https://atlantaregional.org/what-we-do/natural-resources/georgia-stormwater-management-manual/
- https://www.savannahga.gov/DocumentCenter/View/36659/City-of-Savannah-Stormwater-Utility-User-Fee-Credit-Manual---FINAL
- https://www.minneapolismn.gov/resident-services/utility-services/stormwater/residential-stormwater-credits/
- https://www.minneapolismn.gov/resident-services/utility-services/stormwater/residential-stormwater-credits/residential-stormwater-utility-credit-application/
- https://www.portland.gov/bes/41976
- https://www.portland.gov/bes/80737
- https://www.portland.gov/bes/full-list-environmental-services-rates-and-charges
- https://www.portland.gov/policies/environment-built/sewer-stormwater-erosion-control/enb-416-administrative-rules-clean
- https://www.portland.gov/ppd/infrastructure/managing-rain-your-property/rain-gardens
- https://www.cityoflancasterpa.gov/stormwater-information/grants-incentives/
- https://www.cityoflancasterpa.gov/stormwater-information/stormwater-management-fee-credit-program/
- https://www.cityoflancasterpa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/SWMF-Policies-and-Procedures-2023.pdf
- https://www.pgh2o.com/your-water/stormwater/stormwater-fee/stormwater-credit-program
- https://www.pgh2o.com/your-water/stormwater/stormwater-fee/rain-barrel-credit-application
- https://www.pgh2o.com/your-water/stormwater/stormwater-fee/stormwater-fee-faq
- https://www.pgh2o.com/your-water/stormwater/stormwater-fee
- https://www.pgh2o.com/residential-commercial-customers/rates
- https://www.epa.gov/green-infrastructure