All properties within the city of Philadelphia are charged a monthly Stormwater Management Service Charge (Stormwater Charge). Residential customers are charged a flat rate, and non-residential, condominium, and multi-family residential customers (more than four dwelling units per parcel) are charged by the amount of gross and impervious areas on the parcel. To determine a property’s current monthly Stormwater Charge, the Philadelphia Water Department’s (PWD’s) Stormwater Parcel Viewer can be used. If a parcel appears to be charged incorrectly, the applicant may contact pwd.stormwaterappeals@phila.gov or refer to the Stormwater Management Service Charge Credits and Appeals Manual (Credits and Appeals Manual) for more information on how to adjust the charge.
To assist non-residential, condominium, and multi-family residential customers (more than four dwelling units per parcel) in reducing their stormwater fees, PWD has implemented the Stormwater Credits. This program is administered by PWD Stormwater Billing and Incentives and provides financial incentives to customers who help the City meet its stormwater management goals by mitigating stormwater runoff using stormwater management practices (SMPs) and preserving existing conditions on the parcel that are favorable for stormwater management, such as high-quality vegetated areas and disconnecting impervious areas from the sewer system. Building and maintaining these stormwater-friendly characteristics on a site is one way for property owners to play a part in the City’s climate change adaptation efforts. In addition, property owners who choose to install and maintain functioning SMPs, retain pervious open space, and/or incorporate stormwater disconnections on their site may be eligible for stormwater credits. The Stormwater Credits Explorer can be used to estimate the stormwater credits savings for implementing SMPs. To apply for stormwater credits, a Stormwater Credits Application (Form B) must be completed after construction has concluded, PWD has approved the submitted Record Drawings, the property has a recorded O&M Agreement, and all water accounts and applicable fines associated with the property are brought up to date.
There is no fee to apply for stormwater credits with a Form B. Credits expire four years from their effective date. It is the property owner’s responsibility to submit a Stormwater Credits Renewal Application (Form C) at least 30 days before the expiration date, along with a Renewal Fee. Records of inspections and maintenance activities are required to support credit renewal applications. Applicants are referred to the Credits and Appeals Manual for more comprehensive guidance.