Stormwater Utility Fee Updates | Fee Rate Proposed!

Learn about the proposed fee rate and share your feedback on the credit application process!

Stormwaterutility@arlingtonva.us | Visit our Website

Stormwater Utility Fee Rate Proposed

Arlington County Manager Mark Schwartz proposed the Calendar Year (CY) 2026 Stormwater Utility rate at $268 per ERU. The County Board will adopt both the Stormwater Utility rate and County budget in April. CY 2026 first installment bills will be sent in May, with payment due June 15, 2026. The Stormwater Utility rate is based on a cost recovery model, so it is dependent upon the adopted budget each year.

View the County Manager's Proposed FY 2027 Budget presentation.

Share Your Feedback on the

Credit Application Process

Did you apply for credit during the 2025-2026 credit application period? Please share your feedback on the process of applying for credit and the amount of communication you received prior to and during the application period.

Fill out the Feedback Form

The credit application period is now closed. It will re-open on November 1 through January 31, 2027. Until then, you can take action now to receive stormwater credit next year.

Tree Planting Credit Information

Credit activities were selected to try to manage the complexity and administration of the credit program. Providing credits for existing trees, mature trees and native plant landscaping would be more complex as property owners may not have documentation from before the credit program was developed. In addition, issues such as plant species or condition of the native landscaping or trees might need to be taken into account.

There could also be many people potentially claiming these credits, which could affect the overall rate for the Utility. The credit program was developed as part of an extensive engagement process for the Stormwater Utility and included benchmarking with credit programs for other jurisdictions' Stormwater Utilities. If stormwater credits were increased, an increase to Stormwater Utility fees could occur in order that the appropriate amount of revenue is still generated to sufficiently fund debt service, all programs and projects.

Explore the Stormwater Utility Credit Manual

English | Spanish

Learn about credit options and required documentation.

Arlington is considering the adoption of an impervious area limit in lower density, residentially zoned areas. Despite Arlington’s existing lot coverage and stormwater management regulations, impervious area is increasing Countywide, especially in residential areas. Impervious area increases the risk of flooding and extreme heat, which are the two most dangerous weather threats facing Arlington today. Limiting impervious area can improve stormwater management and create more space for trees.

Learn more at arlingtonva.us/lowresidentialstudy.

Register for the Rain Garden Workshop (virtual and in-person options available).

Saturday, Feb. 28 | 9:30 a.m. -12:00 p.m.

Lubber Run Community Center

(300 N Park Drive)

This workshop is a partnership between the Northern Virginia Regional Commission, Northern Virginia Soil & Water Conservation District and Arlington County.

The Plant Nova Natives website offers user-friendly resources to help you choose native species suited for your property and available at local nurseries. You can find a guide to local native species, a list of local businesses that supply natives and links to organizations that will come to your property and offer customized landscaping recommendations.

Arlington County and EcoAction Arlington launched GetGreen Arlington, an app aimed at making sustainable-living accessible and engaging.

Developed in partnership and funded through a Northern Virginia Smart Region Initiative grant from Smart City Works, the app features interactive climate action challenges, personalized tips to reduce carbon footprints and local community engagement opportunities.

Download GetGreen Arlington in the App Store or Google Play.

Stormwater Utility Frequently Asked Questions

When can I file a dispute application? Disputes may only be submitted within 45 days of the bill issuance.

Are there any other municipalities that charge a Stormwater Utility fee? Yes, stormwater fee-based programs are promoted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and authorized by the Commonwealth of Virginia as a way of providing dedicated funding for water resources and stormwater management. Stormwater fee-based programs have been used since 1974, and there are currently over 1,500 stormwater fee-based programs in the country. In the surrounding area, D.C., Prince George's County, the Cities of Alexandria, Falls Church, Manassas, Fairfax and Manassas Park all have Stormwater Utility fees in place.

Explore more Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on our website.

Opportunities for Multi-Family & Non-Residential Property Owners

Credit actions taken this year can earn you credit towards your 2027 bill. Check out the event calendar to explore opportunities for future stormwater credit.

Go to Calendar