Stormwater Drainage System Utility

On June 12, 2023, City Council adopted Ordinance No. 4882 which establishes a Stormwater Drainage System Utility and grants the City authority to collect user fees for stormwater drainage system services. These user fees would be used for the operation, maintenance, regulatory compliance, and improvement of the City’s stormwater drainage system in a manner that protects the public health, safety, and water quality. The Stormwater Drainage System Utility will function like the Wastewater, Water, and Sanitation utilities.

The City's Stormwater Drainage System Utility is modeled after the Lewiston User Fee Study adopted by City Council on April 25, 2022. The study is separated by section for easier viewing:

  1. Stormwater Fee Basis Rate Structure and Policy Memorandum (PDF)
  2. Stormwater Management Program Plan (PDF)
  3. Stormwater Program Funding Alternatives and Business Plan (PDF)

Public Hearing - August 14, 2023

All citizens are invited and encouraged to attend the public hearing on the proposed Stormwater Drainage System user fees to share their questions, comments and concerns. If approved by the City Council, the user fees would go into effect January 1, 2024. 

View the August 14, 2023 City Council agenda for more information.

Read on for information on the proposed user fees, frequently asked questions (FAQ), how you can share your thoughts, and an interactive timeline.

Resolution 2023-43 

Description Fee
Service Area 1 fee per ERU$10.60
Service Area 1 fee per ERU – Utility Assistance Program$7.94
Service Area 2 fee per ERU$7.74
Service Area 2 fee per ERU – Utility Assistance Program$5.80


The proposed user fees are further explained in Resolution 2023-43 (PDF) and the Stormwater Drainage System Utility Fee Structure & Credit Policy (PDF).

You can determine which Service Area your property resides in by entering your address in the interactive Stormwater Drainage System Utility Service Area Reference map.

An overview of the estimated revenues and estimated expenses of the Stormwater Drainage System Utility are provided on slides 30 through 34 of the June 27, 2023 Public Works Department's Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Proposal presentation (PDF).

Ordinance No. 4894 (PDF), the "2024 Annual Appropriation Ordinance", will also undergo a Public Hearing on August 14, 2023 where you can share your thoughts with City Council on the proposed budget for the next fiscal year. 

  1. What is the Stormwater Drainage System Services user fee?
  2. How does this Stormwater Drainage System Utility benefit me?
  3. Why is the City proposing a Stormwater Drainage System Services user fee now?
View All

We want to hear from you!

You can provide your thoughts on the proposed user fees in the following ways:
  • Attending the Public Hearing on August 14th at 6 p.m. on the second floor of the Lewiston City Library at 411 D Street in downtown Lewiston
  • Submitting a public comment to be read at the Public Hearing by mailing it to PO Box 617, Lewiston, ID 83501 or emailing it to the City Clerk; and
  • Sharing your thoughts directly with your City Councilors

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It’s important to note that not all water is treated equally. The City of Lewiston has two separate water collection systems. The sanitary sewer system collects wastewater from sinks, toilets, showers, and washing machines that is transported through pipes and flows to the wastewater treatment plant (pictured above, left). Whereas storm drains carry water that remains untreated, directly into green spaces and the river (pictured above, right). While both systems have extensive infrastructure, the stormwater drainage system that includes everything from ditches and culverts, ponds and lakes, curbs and gutters, to wetlands and rain gardens, is not part of a treatment process at any point. This is why it is vital that we all do our part to protect our water and our environment by remembering “only rain should go down the storm drain.”

Public Education & Outreach Materials