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 non-compliance and federal consent decrees will bring higher fees in the future.

Stormwater Utility Survey Results

*Source: Western Kentucky University Stormwater Utility Survey 2023*

According to a 2023 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. 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, over 200 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 Western Kentucky 2023 survey, nationwide, the average monthly single-family residential fee was $6.06, the standard deviation was $4.72, and the median fee was $5.00. Most fees go up over time reflecting an increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Some communities tie the monthly fee to the CPI.

Fees ranged from zero to $45 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.

While permanently funding stormwater management is a new concept for Louisiana, it’s an old one for other states including Florida and Texas.

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

A PROVEN SOLUTION

STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS WORK WHEN PERMANENTLY FUNDED

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.

Stormwater Utility Survey Results

While permanently funding stormwater management is a new concept for Louisiana, it’s an old one for other states including Florida and Texas.

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