The utility fee enables the city to meet its responsibilities to manage the storm drain system more closely, study the contents of stormwater, seek out and eliminate illicit connections and illegal dumping, enforce codes more strictly, and educate citizens. The pollution potential is actually much greater when it has not rained in a long time because pollutants can build up on all impervious surfaces. In any storm, the initial runoff, or first flush, is the most contaminated. Contrary to what some people believe, stormwater charges are not based upon rainfall. Costs are incurred to reduce pollution.
Rainwater is simply the carrier that transports the pollutants to open waterways.
In general, vacant non-single family rental property and empty buildings are charged because they generate runoff similar to that generated by occupied property. The one exception is vacant single family rental houses. Single family property on which water and sewer service is interrupted because of tenant turnover will not be charged the stormwater utility during the transition period. A statistical sampling was taken of representative properties in Greensboro. Each was measured and an average impervious surface area was determined.