Stormwater Management

Stormwater Utility

Established in 2004, DeKalb County's Stormwater Utility funds essential infrastructure maintenance and improvements to protect residents from flooding and maintain water quality.

Recent Updates (June 2023):

• First-ever fee increase to address infrastructure backlog
• Enhanced pond maintenance capacity
• Faster response times for repairs
• Green School Yards Initiative partnership
• Increased investment in green infrastructure

Stormwater Utility Fee Structure

Current Rates (Effective 2025)

• Base Rate: $120 per Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU) annually
• Previous Rates: $108 (2024), $96 (2023)

How Fees Are Calculated

Single Family Homes/Townhomes: 1 ERU per year 

Multi-Family (Apartments/Condos): 0.5 ERU × number of units 

Commercial/Other Developed Land: 1 ERU per 3,000 sq ft of impervious surface

Undeveloped property is not charged a stormwater utility fee

Utility Fee Credit System

Property owners can receive up to 40% credit for:

• On-site detention facilities
• Total capture of generated onsite runoff 
• Water quality treatment systems
• Green infrastructure installations
• Apply for SWU Credit

Stormwater Management Program (Water Quality Protection)

DeKalb County operates a Stormwater management program under Phase I Large MS4 NPDES Permit, by implementing comprehensive programs to:

• Reduce stormwater pollution to maximum extent practicable.
• Prevent illicit discharges & illegal connections.
• Control industrial facility stormwater discharge.
• Monitor highly visible pollutant sources.
• Conduct public education and organize public involvement.
• Carry out pos-construction management of stormwater infrastructures.
• Maintain compliance with federal Clean Water Act requirements.

Public Education & Community Involvement

School Programs

• Classroom Presentations: Aligned with Georgia Standards of Excellence
• Career Day Programs: Stormwater industry career exploration
• Scout Programs: "This Girl is Storm Water Smart" badge program

Request Educational Programs:

• Email: rad_customerservice@dekalbcountyga.gov
• Phone: 404-297-3840
• School Program Request Form 

Community Participation

Storm Drain Marking Program Free materials for neighborhood volunteers                             Proven method for water quality education

Green Infrastructure Initiatives:

• Rain gardens and permeable surfaces
• Green School Yards partnerships
• Low-impact development practices

Request for Participation:

• Email: swoutreach@dekalbcountyga.gov
• Phone: 404-294-2364