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1. My property doesn’t flood and isn’t anywhere near a stream or river. Why do I have to pay this service charge?

Everyone in the county benefits from the services funded by the SWM Utility service charge, because it helps protect people, property, and natural resources from the impacts of flooding and water pollution. For example, the service charge funds projects that help keep major roadways used by everyone accessible during flooding.

All properties contribute to the problem of surface water runoff, and they benefit from the county drainage system through flood control and improvements in water quality. All residents contribute to water pollution through daily activities such as vehicle driving, car washing, pet waste, and lawn fertilizing.

2. How did the SWM service charge change in 2021?

Starting in 2021, Surface Water Management has transitioned to a tiered rate structure with all parcels paying a Base Rate. Additional overlays based on service areas (Water Quality (WQ) and River) cover 25% of the total cost of providing these services. The remaining cost of these services is included in the base rate. Other changes include charging agriculture lands at a similar rate to single family residences (SFR) and removing exemptions for federal lands.

3. What is the SWM Utility service charge used for?

- Identifying, designing, and constructing projects to reduce the risk of flood damage and to improve water quality - Working to prevent further impacts to floodplains and natural waterways through regulations, property acquisition, education and outreach, and other methods - Inspecting and providing technical assistance for more than 2,200 private and public stormwater facilities - Collecting water samples and tracking water quality trends to help protect stream, drinking water, swimming areas, and shellfish beds from polluted runoff - Maintaining levees along the Puyallup, White, Carbon, and Nisqually Rivers - Responding to more than 1,000 customer service calls per year regarding flooding, water pollution, and drainage problems - Coordinating salmon recovery efforts in Pierce County 

4. How much revenue is generated by the SWM Utility service charge?

More than $24.2 million annually is generated from SWM Utility service charges. The county also pursues state and federal grants to offset the cost of some services.

5. Why am I charged a Surface Water Management Utility service charge?

Pierce County Public Works is primarily responsible for reducing polluted runoff flowing to local waterways and reducing flood damage risk in unincorporated Pierce County (property outside a city or town). In 1988, the Pierce County Council established the Surface Water Management Utility. The council established a per parcel service charge dedicated to fund the services SWM provides. The SWM Utility service charge is similar to other dedicated charges for services such as sewer treatment, local fire districts, and library services.

The cost of providing SWM services is also covered by other revenue sources, including real-estate excise tax (REET) and federal and state grants.

6. Can I get a service charge reduction?

SWM Utility service charges may be reduced if you have a stormwater drainage system that meets certain conditions. For more information, visit www.piercecountywa.org/swmcredit or call (253) 798-2725. 

7. Why has the service charge increased over the years?

The SWM Utility service charges have been adjusted several times, largely due to the increased cost of constructing and maintaining the county-wide drainage system and aging levee system. In addition, SWM Utility service charges fund the county’s requirement to comply with the Federal Clean Water Act. The requirements for compliance are outlined in the municipal stormwater permit, which requires specific steps by the county to reduce pollution from stormwater runoff. Beginning in 2007, Pierce County requirements and the cost of complying with the Federal Clean Water Act increased significantly. More requirements took effect in August 2013. Some of these requirements include: - Inspections and maintenance of the entire County drainage system - Inspections and maintenance of county roadways and property - Business-inspection program - Technical assistance to home and business owners to reduce pollution - Water quality monitoring in local streams

8. How is the SWM Utility service charge determined and collected?

The SWM Utility service charge is collected with property taxes in most unincorporated areas of the county. This charge is not a tax. The SWM utility charge is like other charges for service such as sewer treatment. SWM Utility service charges are dedicated to address flooding and water pollution issues in unincorporated Pierce County.

As it does for all Pierce County utility rates, the Pierce County Council reviews, holds public hearings, and adopts SWM Utility service charges by ordinance. Pierce County Code (PCC) 11.02 authorizes the creation, method of calculating service charges, and other requirements related to the SWM Utility. PCC 11.02 can be found on-line at www.piercecountywa.org/council.

9. Who is responsible for paying the SWM Utility service charge?

The property owner of record (per Pierce County Assessor-Treasurer records) is responsible for paying the SWM Utility service charge. Properties exempt from the service charge include parcels consisting entirely of tidelands, rivers, lakes or streams, parks, federally-owned lands, and some non-profit holdings. See PCC 11.02 for a complete list of exemptions. Low income seniors and others who qualify under RCW 84.36.381 (5)(a), (b)(i) and (b)(ii) may receive a 40 to 80 percent reduction in their SWM Utility service charge.

10. How are the service charges calculated?

Starting January 1, 2021, single-family residences pay a $125.31 annual service charge. Multi-family, mobile home parks, commercial, and other parcels pay a service charge based on the amount of impervious surface area (rooftop, paved areas, etc.) and gravel area on the parcel. Go to www.piercecountywa.org/servicecharge for the 2021 rate structure adopted by Pierce County Council.

11. What is impervious surface and why is it used to set SWM Utility service charge rates?

Impervious surface is a hard surface, such as rooftops, sidewalks, and parking lots, which prevents the natural infiltration of rainwater into the ground. Pervious surfaces such as grass, trees, and other vegetation allow rainwater to infiltrate into the ground.

The more impervious surface area a property has, the more stormwater runoff it will generate. This increased stormwater runoff has a greater impact on the public drainage system. Therefore, higher SWM Utility service charges are appropriate so the county can manage the quantity and quality of that excess runoff.

12. Is the SWM Utility service charge deductible on my federal income tax?

No. For residential customers, this is a utility service charge similar to a sewer or garbage fee. It cannot be deducted from your income tax.

13. What if I disagree with my SWM Utility service charge?

If you feel an error has been made in your SWM Utility service charge or the method of calculation, please contact the Surface Water billing office at (253) 798-4020.

14. Where can I get more information?

Contact Pierce County Surface Water Management division at:
Website: www.piercecountywa.us/swm
Email: pcwater@co.pierce.wa.us
Phone: (253) 798-2725
More information on SWM Utility service charges is available at: www.piercecountywa.org/servicecharge