What Athens’ Stormwater Fee Means for Homeowners

Got a new stormwater line on your Athens utility bill and wondering what changed? If you own a home in Athens–Clarke County, this fee affects your budget, your closing paperwork, and even how you manage rain on your property. In a few minutes, you’ll understand how the fee works, what the 2024 and 2025 increases mean for you, and ways to avoid surprises or reduce costs. Let’s dive in.

What the stormwater fee is

The stormwater utility fee is a user fee, similar to water or sewer, that funds drainage maintenance, water quality work, and state and federal compliance. It does not pay for general government services. The county established the utility in 2005 to keep storm drains, pipes, and related systems working during heavy rain. You can review the program purpose on the county’s Stormwater Utility page at ACCGov’s stormwater utility overview.

How your bill is calculated

ERUs and impervious area

Your fee is based on impervious surface measured in Equivalent Runoff Units, or ERUs. One ERU equals 3,000 square feet of hard surface like roofs and driveways. Most single‑family homes are billed at about one ERU, though larger or smaller hardscape can change that. See how ERUs are defined on the county’s Fee Calculation page.

The formula and billing cycle

ACCGov uses a three‑part formula to determine the monthly amount, then bills quarterly. The formula includes a base rate, a quantity rate tied to runoff, and a quality rate tied to water quality programs. The county shows the full formula and sample bills on the Fee Calculation page.

Who gets billed

The fee applies to owners of developed property in Athens–Clarke County, including residential, commercial, and tax‑exempt uses that create runoff. Undeveloped parcels with negligible impervious area are not charged. The utility focuses only on stormwater operations and compliance, not unrelated projects.

What changed in 2024 and 2025

On January 2, 2024, the Mayor and Commission approved the first fee structure change since 2005, starting a plan of gradual annual increases to provide sustainable funding through 2033. You can read the county’s program context on the Stormwater Management Program page.

• July 2024: Local coverage reported the average residential bill rose by about 14 dollars per year, from roughly 42 to about 56 dollars annually. See the summary in this Athens CEO report.
• July 1, 2025: ACCGov adopted a 3.75 percent increase, which the county estimates will add about 2.11 dollars per year for the average residence. See the county’s notice of the July 1, 2025 increase.

The county describes these as gradual annual increases continuing until 2033 to keep stormwater services funded over time.

What this means for you

Typical cost impact

If your home is around one ERU, the 2024 change raised your annual total by roughly 14 dollars on average, and the 2025 change adds about 2.11 dollars more on average. Your exact amount depends on measured impervious area and land‑use factors. Check your parcel’s ERU and the formula before budgeting.

Buying or selling a home

The stormwater account follows the property and is billed to the owner of record. At closing, charges are typically prorated, but the seller remains responsible until the deed is recorded. Closing attorneys can submit the county’s Change of Ownership form. For general billing info and contacts, see Stormwater Utility Billing & Payments.

Avoid surprises at closing

• Ask for the last two stormwater bills and confirm the current ERU. Use the county’s Fee Calculation page to understand the formula and billing cycle.
• Note any pending credits or adjustments in your contract so they are handled at closing.
• Confirm who will file the deed promptly and submit the Change of Ownership form so billing transfers without delay.

Ways to lower or fix your bill

Request an impervious adjustment

If you think your hardscape was measured incorrectly, you can request a review. Start with the county’s Account Changes and adjustment request page and cross‑check the calculation method on the Fee Calculation page.

Apply for utility credits

Properties that manage runoff on site, such as with detention or retention, may qualify for reductions to the quantity or quality portions of the fee. The base charge is not creditable. Review eligibility and how to apply on the county’s Utility Credits page.

Reduce runoff at home

Simple rainscaping helps reduce runoff and may support future credit eligibility if you install qualifying systems. The stormwater program also offers practical services, including erosion help for eligible single‑family lots through the Rock Program and maintenance of in‑right‑of‑way drains. Learn more about services and guidance on the Stormwater Management Program page.

Local resources and help

• Stormwater Management Program, Transportation & Public Works, 120 W. Dougherty Street, Athens, GA 30601
• Main: 706‑613‑3440 | Billing: 706‑613‑3989 | Email: [email protected]
• Best pages to bookmark: Stormwater Utility overview, Fee Calculation and sample bills, Billing & Payments

If you are planning a move in Athens or nearby, factor the stormwater fee into your budget and closing timeline early. For help aligning your home search, sale, or new‑construction plans with local costs and processes, connect with Platinum Key Realty of Georgia.

FAQs

How much will my Athens stormwater bill change this year?

• It depends on your ERUs and the adopted rate for the year. ACCGov set a 3.75 percent increase effective July 1, 2025, which the county estimates is about 2.11 dollars per year for the average residence, after an average increase of about 14 dollars in 2024.

How do I find or verify my ERU and impervious area?

• Check the county’s Fee Calculation guidance and sample bill resources to see how your hardscape was measured. If you disagree, submit an Adjustment Review Request through the stormwater billing office.

Can nonprofits or schools be exempt from the stormwater fee?

• No. The stormwater utility charges all developed properties that create runoff so program costs are shared based on use. Undeveloped parcels with negligible impervious area are not charged.

What does the stormwater fee pay for in Athens?

• It funds storm drain maintenance, regulatory compliance, inspections, drainage repairs, and water‑quality programs. It is not used for unrelated general government services.

When a property sells, who is responsible for stormwater charges?

• The seller remains responsible until the deed is recorded. Charges are typically prorated at closing and the closing attorney can submit the Change of Ownership form so the account transfers to the buyer.