Why are you collecting money for water, wastewater and now stormwater? Isn't it all the same thing?

No, these are not the same thing. “Water” refers to operation of the drinking water system, including treatment, supply systems, and regulatory compliance (Safe Drinking Water Act). 

“Wastewater” refers to the domestic sewer system, including sewage collection system, wastewater treatment plant operation, and regulatory compliance (Clean Water Act, the WRRF has an NPDES Wastewater Discharge Permit).

 “Stormwater” refers to the operation of the storm drain system to convey and dispose of rainwater or snowmelt runoff, including the runoff collection, conveyance, outfall system, and local water ways. Stormwater is now being regulated like wastewater, which is why the City is under an NPDES Permit.

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1. How was the billing for residential properties determined?
2. We heard that you were waiving some types of properties or offering credits. How can this be fair to the rest of us?
3. Why are you collecting money for water, wastewater and now stormwater? Isn't it all the same thing?
4. Is money going to be siphoned off to go to non-stormwater activities?
5. Why not wait to collect fees until later?
6. Why should I pay if all my stormwater stays on my property or in my parking lot?
7. What about property owners that have their own NPDES Multi-Sector or Municipal Stormwater Permit, why should they pay too?
8. What about people on fixed incomes like senior citizens?
9. Are sidewalks included in the calculation of my stormwater fee?
10. What kind of technical help is available for small developments?
11. I heard that the City of Lewiston had a stormwater utility and user fees that was repealed by the Courts. Isn’t this the same thing?
12. Why aren’t stormwater user fees being voted on by the people?
13. Why can’t the City get a waiver from NPDES?
14. Why does the City have to implement a stormwater management program and fees? Aren't there alternatives?
15. How does this stormwater program benefit me?
16. What is the money raised by stormwater fees going to be used for?
17. Do properties that retain and infiltrate some of their stormwater onsite get any credit (reduced stormwater user fee)?