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1. What is stormwater runoff?

Rain or melted snow or ice that flows over impervious surfaces as paved streets, parking lots, driveways and building rooftops, and does not soak into the ground. Instead of soaking into the ground, this runoff travels into the nearest storm drain or roadside ditch before being discharged into nearby creeks, streams, rivers or lakes.

2. What is an impervious surface?

An impervious surface does not allow water or other liquids to pass through it. Buildings, parking lots, sidewalks, etc. are examples of impervious surfaces because rainwater cannot be absorbed into them. In contrast, grassy or wooded areas are pervious. Impervious surfaces cause more runoff, which is why urban areas often have localized flooding issues during storms.

One acre that is fully wooded creates no runoff during a 1" rain event. However, one acre that is paved creates over 27,000 gallons of runoff during a 1" rain event.

3. Why is it important to manage stormwater runoff?

Stormwater runoff picks up various pollutants before traveling into the nearest storm drain or roadside ditch and then to the nearest body of water without receiving any kind of treatment. Polluted stormwater negatively impacts the wildlife in streams, rivers and lakes. Examples of the negative impacts of pollution in stormwater runoff include:

-Sediment can bury fish eggs and prevent them from hatching.
-Fertilizers can cause algae to grow which uses up oxygen that other plants and fish need to survive.
-Chemicals from household cleaners and pesticides harm plants and animals.

It is also important to manage the quantity of runoff. Because stormwater runoff travels over impervious surfaces, if it is not managed it can cause localized flooding. High volumes of stormwater runoff can also cause erosion of creek banks.

4. What is the Town's storm drainage policy?

Only storm drains located in the public street right-of-way and in drainage easements shall be regularly maintained and repaired by the Town. The repair and maintenance of all drainage systems located on private property shall be the responsibility of the property owner.

The Town does not maintain or repair issues that occur on private property, such as:
-Yard Flooding
-Standing Water
-Drainage issues caused by landscaping, roofing or gutter problems
-Water that flows from adjoining properties
-Creeks or discharge outlets

5. What is the Town's Stormwater Utility?

The stormwater utility is a fee that is billed monthly to all Town utility customers. All money collected from the utility fee will be used for the stormwater program to maintain compliance with the stormwater permit. Additional information about the Town's stormwater utility fee can be found at: http://www.ci.mooresville.nc.us/DocumentCenter/View/2281.

6. How is this fee charged?

The stormwater utility and associated fee were approved as part of the Fiscal Year 2015 Budget, which began July 1, 2014. Fees began to be assessed in January 2015 and included on utility bills.

7. Why not pay for these activities through taxes?

In general, taxes are assessed based on a property’s value and fees are assessed based on the need for service. As shown in the example above, the amount of runoff during a rain storm is directly related to the amount of impervious surface on the property. Therefore a property with a very low taxable value could have a very high stormwater impact if it is completely covered in buildings or asphalt. In addition, a fee can be applied to tax - exempt properties that have impervious area. In short, a fee is a fairer and more equitable means to distribute the cost of a new utility.

8. What will I get in return for paying this fee?

In addition to the various programs required by permit (see Phase II NPDES Stormwater Program), fees will allow for increased proactive maintenance and capital improvements to the Town's public storm drainage system. Many storm drain systems in Mooresville are over 50 years old and need to be replaced. Many discharge directly to a stream or property line. Over time, this causes land erosion and stream pollution. Through master planning and capital improvements funded through the stormwater utility, these issues can be addressed.

9. Are there volunteer opportunities with the stormwater program?

Yes. The Town currently offers volunteer opportunities for individuals or groups who wish to participate in the storm drain marking program. Contact the Stormwater Program Specialist at 704-663-7282 for more information.