Louisiana is the #1 state in rainfall and has a massive litter problem — together, they cause flooding. Proven in other states, stormwater management programs are the clear solution.

In 2022, Louisiana became the 42nd state to declare stormwater a utility. This “local option” legislation provides a reliable mechanism to permanently fund a stormwater management program in your area to address water quality (litter and water pollution) and water quantity (flooding) issues.

Permanent funding is critical for bonding capital improvement projects needed to sustain stormwater plans.

Stormwater management programs can be “customized” to meet a community’s needs. The most successful programs have simple fees, are operated by experts and have a strategic plan with citizen accountability.

Bandaid fixes and one-time monies are not the answer. Local communities have a choice. They can either get on board early with low fees or be at risk for non-compliance and federal consent decrees that bring higher stormwater fees and higher insurance rates.

Stormwater Utility Survey Results

According to a University of Western Kentucky 2024 stormwater utility survey, 42 states have a stormwater utility (SWU) in place. East Baton Rouge was the first parish in our state to create a SWU district but has yet to implement a fee.

Florida is one of the leaders in stormwater management with stormwater dynamics, topography, and precipitation levels similar to Louisiana. Over 30 years ago, Florida declared stormwater a utility to reduce litter on their streets and watersheds. The initial goal was to reduce litter by 50 percent and protect tourism. Today, 214 Florida communities have stormwater management programs. Tourism flourishes, and litter has been drastically reduced. But the story gets better. The unintended consequence of what began as litter reduction programs are today called flood prevention and water quality programs.

According to the 2024 national survey, SWU fees range from $2.00 to $50.00 per month. The survey graphic shows the spatial distribution of monthly fees. As observed in previous surveys, no state has all high fees. Even states with higher fees also have some utilities with much lower fees. The range of fee amounts usually reflects stormwater needs and local political realities. 

At the core of stormwater management is sustainability — these programs help create strong economies, safe and healthy environments, and vibrant communities.