What is a Stormwater Utility Enterprise Fund?

A stormwater utility enterprise is a dedicated and consistent municipal funding mechanism capable of funding responsible stormwater management within a community. A stormwater enterprise is typically established to address the needs and challenges effectively. It operates by ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, maintaining and improving stormwater infrastructure, constructing climate resilient infrastructure, and public education on stormwater issues. The utility plays a crucial role in preventing water pollution, reducing flood risks, and maintaining the overall health of our local water bodies.

Why Implement a Stormwater Utility Enterprise?

Environmental Protection

Implementing a stormwater utility allows our town to actively address environmental concerns related to stormwater runoff. Unmanaged runoff can carry pollutants such as oil, chemicals, and debris into local water bodies, degrading water quality and harming aquatic ecosystems. A stormwater utility provides the means to invest in effective stormwater management systems, reducing pollution and safeguarding the health of rivers, lakes, and streams.

Flood Prevention and Mitigation

Effective stormwater management, funded by the stormwater utility, can help reduce the risk of flooding in residential areas. By investing in improved drainage systems, retention basins, and other infrastructure, the utility helps prevent excess rainwater from pooling in streets, yards, and basements during heavy rainfall events. This directly protects homes and property from water damage, saving individuals from costly repairs and inconvenience.

Compliance with Regulations (MS4)

The Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) program, mandated by the Clean Water Act, requires the Town of Concord to manage stormwater runoff to protect water quality. Implementing a stormwater utility aids our town in meeting MS4 compliance by providing the necessary funding for pollution control measures, public education campaigns, and monitoring efforts. The EPA has the authority to impose daily fines ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 for failure to comply.

Sustainable Funding Source

A stormwater utility fee provides a consistent and dedicated revenue stream for stormwater management. Unlike relying solely on general funds, a utility fee ensures that the necessary resources are available to maintain and upgrade stormwater infrastructure over the long term. This financial stability allows our town to make proactive decisions that benefit both the environment and the community.

Fair and Equitable Distribution of Costs 

The stormwater enterprise fund fee ensures fairness by requiring all properties, including tax-exempt ones like state and federal facilities, to contribute to stormwater management. Larger facilities pay fees proportional to their impervious area, aligning costs with their runoff impact. This approach promotes fairness, enhancing the equity and effectiveness of stormwater management funding.

Community Engagement and Education

A stormwater utility program encourages community involvement and education. Residents become more aware of their impact on local water quality and the steps they can take to reduce runoff. Workshops, outreach programs, and educational materials funded by the utility fee help raise awareness and promote responsible stormwater practices.

Implementing a stormwater utility in Concord reflects our community's commitment to environmental responsibility, regulatory compliance, pollution reduction, flood prevention, sustainable funding, equitable cost distribution, community health and safety, education, and long-term climate resilience. By pursuing this initiative, our town is taking proactive steps to create a more sustainable, resilient, and environmentally conscious community for its residents.

Town of Concord's Efforts in Adopting a Stormwater Enterprise Fund

The Town has collaborated with an engineering consulting firm to establish a comprehensive framework, assess the existing infrastructure, and engage residents through a series of informative sessions. Our consultant has delivered a Stormwater Enterprise Fund - Preliminary Evaluation report and a Stormwater Enterprise FAQ, which includes high-level estimated budget for stormwater management and suggests funding options. The Town intends to propose the Stormwater Enterprise Fund Article and Bylaw at the 2024 Town meeting to adopt the provisions outlined in M.G.L. Chapter 44, Section 53 1/2. This Article will solely establish the fund but will not allocate revenue to initiate it. If adopted, the Public Works Commission will develop a budget and rate program, which will be presented at a subsequent Town Meeting for approval.

Town of Concord’s Current Efforts in Implementing stormwater Enterprise Utility

The projected FY26 budget of approximately $1,000,000 is designed to address the Town’s stormwater priorities, with allocations between capital and non-capital costs. At its meeting on May 14, 2025, the Public Works Commission (PWC) approved Fee Structure Option 2B as the basis for the stormwater utility fee, along with the Stormwater Utility Credit Policy  (Abatements And Credits),which is intended to encourage property owners to reduce their impact on the municipal stormwater system through approved stormwater management practices. 

The work performed to date on establishing this enterprise is detailed in the “Evaluation of a Stormwater Enterprise Fund” report dated January 2025, completed by Weston & Sampson and available on the Town’s website.

Residents are encouraged to review an estimated fee associated with their property at preliminary stormwater fee explorer. The tool presents four potential fee structure options currently under consideration.

Please note that all listed fees are preliminary estimates and do not guarantee the final amount owed under any option.

If you have questions about the stormwater utility or believe the impervious area for your parcel is incorrect, please contact the Stormwater Engineer at spoudel@concordma.gov.