The City of Gig Harbor has had a stormwater utility since 1984. Since then the City has seen significant growth, including the growth of our storm infrastructure. The City is mandated under a National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit which regulates the discharge of water pollution and requires multiple tasks to be completed by the City. Each of those tasks have associated costs to implement our stormwater management program.

Current stormwater utility costs and perceived rate inequalities are being looked at in the Stormwater Revenue Study. Neighboring municipality storm rates are also being reviewed as potential examples. Goals for the study includes redefining EBUs (equivalent billing units), establishing new rates, redefining Single Family Resident (SFR), and removing discounts. 

The City's current stormwater utility policy and rate structure can be found in the Gig Harbor Municipal Code here:

Chapter 14.00 STORM DRAINAGE UTILITY -- CREATION AND PURPOSE (codepublishing.com)

Chapter 14.10 STORM DRAINAGE BILLING POLICY AND COLLECTION (codepublishing.com)

View the Gig Harbor Stormwater Story Map and learn more about stormwater in our community.

Watch the Virtual Open House

The City held two open house forums to hear from residents and commercial businesses on the following topics: current stormwater utility costs, new rates, defining SFR (Single Family Residences), EBU’s (equivalent billing units), discounts and perceived rate inequalities.

A recording of the September 16 open house can be viewed on the City's YouTube Channel here: https://youtu.be/GlWYnsXAtcc

The presentation material from the open house can be viewed here: Stormwater Utility Revenue Study

Stormwater Revenue Study Key Dates

• June 10: City Council Study Session
• Wednesday, September 15 from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. and Thursday, September 16 from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.: Virtual Open House. Open Houses were the same content on both evenings. A recording of the September 16 open house can be viewed on the City's YouTube Channel here: https://youtu.be/GlWYnsXAtcc
• Tuesday, October 12 at 3:00 p.m.: Draft Ordinance Presentation to the Public Works Committee. Watch Public Works Committee meetings live at https://zoom.us/j/92910138774
• Fall 2021 - City Council meetings:  PUBLIC HEARING and First and Second Reading of Ordinance – Adoption of new Stormwater Revenue Rate Structure. Watch City Council meetings live on Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/93216056382