Stormwater Program

Stormwater Program

Welcome to the Stormwater Program

The Stormwater Program consists of Stormwater Management and the Stormwater Utility (SWU). The Stormwater Management initiatives strive to reduce the amount of stormwater pollution that discharges into water bodies by following the best Stormwater Management policies and procedures. Stormwater Management is funded through the Stormwater Utility. 

Stormwater Management

Stormwater is water released from clouds in the form of rain, freezing rain, sleet, snow or hail. Stormwater can soak into the soil (infiltrate) or flow over impervious surfaces such as paved streets, parking areas, rooftops, and other developed land.  Stormwater that flows over impervious surface contributes to stormwater runoff.  Stormwater runoff is stormwater that carries pollutants such as trash, yard clippings, leaves, etc. and creates stormwater pollution. Most stormwater runoff either flows directly into nearby streams, creeks, rivers, or other waterbodies or travels there through stormwater drainage systems, such as catch basins, storm drains, conveyances and detention ponds.

Stormwater Utility

The Stormwater Utility was developed in December 2003 when the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners authorized the collection of Stormwater Utility fees from DeKalb County property owners. The Stormwater Utility fee provides the most practical, appropriate and equitable means of funding the Stormwater Program. 

Concerns or issues?

To report issues or concerns about a stormwater drainage structure call Roads and Drainage at (404) 297-3840 or fill out a service request form.

To report a suspected illicit discharge, illegal connection or dumping, call the Stormwater Environmental Comments line at (404) 294-2007.