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Stormwater Management

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Stormwater Management works to protect DeKalb County’s communities, waterways, and infrastructure by reducing flooding risks and improving water quality. Through planning, maintenance, public education, and regulatory compliance, our team manage the systems that collect and carry stormwater throughout the county. We monitor conditions, maintain drainage structures, and implement best practices that support a safer, more resilient environment for all residents.

Stormwater Utility Overview

Established in 2004, DeKalb County's Stormwater Utility funds essential infrastructure maintenance and improvements to protect residents from flooding and maintain water quality.

Stormwater Utility Fee Structure

Current Rates (Effective 2025)

  • Base Rate: $120 per Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU) annually
  • Previous Rates: $108 (2024), $96 (2023)

How Fees Are Calculated

  • Single Family Homes/Townhomes: 1 ERU per year
  • Multi-Family (Apartments/Condos): 0.5 ERU × number of units
  • Commercial/Other Developed Land: 1 ERU per 3,000 sq ft of impervious surface

Undeveloped property is not charged a stormwater utility fee.

 

Fee Credit System

Property owners can receive up to 40% credit for:

  • On-site detention facilities
  • Water quality treatment systems
  • Green infrastructure installations
  • Apply for SWU Credit
Water Quality Protection

DeKalb County operates under NPDES Phase I MS4 permit, implementing comprehensive programs to:

  • Reduce stormwater pollution to maximum extent practicable
  • Prevent illicit discharges
  • Protect local waterways and the Chattahoochee River watershed
  • Maintain compliance with federal Clean Water Act requirements
Stormwater Services

Drainage Infrastructure Services

  • Pipe Repair: Restoration and rehabilitation of county-maintained storm drainage systems
  • Detention Pond Maintenance: Cleaning, repair, fence replacement, and flowline restoration
  • Structural Repair: Catch basins, storm drains, headwalls, culverts, and control structures
  • System Cleaning: Sediment and debris removal from drainage structures
  • CCTV Inspection: Video assessment of pipe conditions

Water Quality Protection

DeKalb County operates under a Phase I MS4 permit, implementing comprehensive programs to:

  • Reduce stormwater pollution to maximum extent practicable
  • Prevent illicit discharges
  • Protect local waterways and the river watersheds
  • Maintain compliance with federal Clean Water Act requirements
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Public Education & Community Involvement

School Programs

  • Classroom Presentations: Aligned with Georgia Standards of Excellence
  • Career Day Programs: Stormwater industry career exploration
  • Scout Programs: "This Girl is Storm Water Smart" badge program

Hazard Mitigation Program:

Home Buyout Program: FEMA-funded voluntary relocation from flood-prone areas

Community Participation

Storm Drain Marking Program:

Green Infrastructure Initiatives:

  • Rain gardens and permeable surfaces
  • Green School Yards partnerships
  • Low-impact development practices
Educational Resources & Opportunities

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