Show All Answers

1. What is stormwater runoff?

Stormwater runoff is the rain or melted snow that runs off streets, rooftops, parking lots, lawns and vacant lots. Stormwater runoff can cause flooding and water quality problems. Problems occur when runoff picks up oil, grease, and other pollutants and carries them directly into the storm water drain system. This runoff does not go to a treatment plant, but drains directly to a nearby stream or lake. Please call 336-883-3111 for more information.

2. What is the City’s policy on stormwater runoff?

The Stormwater Division maintains stormwater systems within the public right-of-way. When stormwater runoff leaves the public right-of-way, it is the responsibility of the property owner to maintain the stormwater conveyance on their property. If you discover a drainage problem, please call the Customer Service Department at 336-883-3111 to report problem. The Stormwater Division will perform a site visit to assess the problem.

3. How do I determine if I'm eligible for City assistance with drainage problems on private property?

-Please call our 24 hour customer service department at 336-883-3111 to request this service.
-For additional information, please view the Stormwater Management Improvement Policy.

4. What is an NPDES Permit?

The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program was established under the authority of the Clean Water Act. The NPDES Permit requires that the City of High Point develop regulations, ordinances, policies, and procedures to implement a Stormwater Program. The purpose of the Stormwater Management Plan is to reduce the discharge of pollutants from the municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4). Learn more about this by visiting our Phase II Stormwater Program page.

5. What is an ERU and how is my stormwater fee calculated?

Residential Customers: All residential customers are charged for an average of 2,588 square feet (sq. ft.) of impervious surfaces (1 equivalent residential unit or ERU). The residential charge for 1 ERU is $4 per month.

Commercial Customers: The impervious surfaces for each property in the City are measured using aerial photography and geographical information systems technology. The amount of impervious surfaces is divided by the equivalent residential unit (ERU) of 2,588 square feet and multiplied by $4 per month.

Example: 100,000 sq. ft. / 2588 sq. ft. = 38.64 ERU || 38.64 ERU X $4 per month = $154.56 per month for the stormwater utility. Please call 336-883-3111 for more information.

6. What is considered impervious surface area (ISA)?

Any area composed of any material that impedes or prevents natural infiltration of water into the soil. Impervious surface area shall include but is not limited to:
-Concrete or asphalt streets
-Crushed stone and gravel surfaces
-Decks
-Driveways
-Parking areas
-Patios
-Roofs
-Sidewalks
-Tennis courts

Please call 336-883-3111 for more information.

7. Is the stormwater fee a tax?

No, the stormwater fee is a utility like your gas, electric, water, and sewer. Please call 336-883-3111 for more information.

8. Is the City charging residents for rain?

No, residents are not being charged for rain. The revenue generated from the stormwater utility fee is used to implement the Stormwater Management Improvement Program and to implement programs that reduce or eliminate stormwater pollution as required by Federal NPDES stormwater regulations. It has been demonstrated scientifically that runoff and pollution from a property increases as the amount of impervious surface area on that property increases. Please call 336-883-3111 for more information.

9. How can I reduce my stormwater fee?

The City of High Point offers Stormwater Fee Credits

10. What if a customer disagrees with the amount of ISA that was measured on their property?

To register a complaint about the amount of impervious surface that has been billed to a customer, the property owner must contact the City of High Point Customer Service Department at 336-883-3111. A staff member will make a site visit to verify the amount of impervious surface area. If the findings are different from what was billed, the bill will be adjusted (increased or decreased) to reflect the proper amount. Documentation of impervious surface area calculations will be provided upon request.