Stormwater

What We Do

Safely convey urban runoff to the Big Sioux River through storm sewers, open channel drainageways, and Best Management Practices (BMP’s) including in-stream storm water detention and retention basins that are in compliance with EPA regulations.

Division Summary

The City established a storm drainage fee in 1982 as a charge on real estate property to fund the operation, maintenance, and capital expense of the storm sewer and drainage system. This fee is based on lot area, runoff weighting factor, and unit financial charge. Proceeds from this fee are used to fund the various activities of Public Works personnel involved in drainage projects.

The storm drainage fee annually generates over $10 million in revenue to fund various City drainage projects. The City currently owns and maintains over 570 miles of storm sewer and drainage channels, approximately 200 detention and/or water quality ponds, and over 114 miles of sump pump collection pipe.

The Drainage System Cost Recovery (DSCR) continues to fund initiatives to design and construct regional Best Management Practices (BMP’s) while the Regional Detention Charge (RDC) provides the funds necessary to purchase real estate necessary for the construction of regional BMP’s. The DSCR and RDC are intended to provide the resources necessary for the construction of stormwater management facilities for new developments and significant redevelopments.

2020 Online Stormwater Training