Stormwater Charges and Credit

Wilmington’s Storm Water Management ProgramUA SW_3

The City of Wilmington’s integrated stormwater management program addresses the city’s stormwater needs while protecting its water resources. The primary goal of this program is to reduce the number of pollutants discharged into surface waters, such as rivers and creeks. These pollutants are primarily discharged due to stormwater runoff, combined sewer overflows, and wastewater treatment plant discharges. The City engages in several management activities to mitigate the impact of these pollutants on rivers, including:

  • Pre- and post-construction stormwater management.
  • Watershed planning and protection.
  • Reducing the volume and frequency of combined sewer overflows.
  • Enhancing surface water quality through the promotion of stormwater quality and quantity management using best management practices.

In addition to the stormwater management activities performed by the City, property owners are strongly encouraged to adopt onsite stormwater best management practices (BMPs) to help reduce stormwater runoff and improve the quality of stormwater discharges from their properties. The City supports these initiatives through a “Stormwater Credits Program.”

Wilmington Storm Water Charge Credits Program

The City has a Storm Water Charge Credits Program that incentivizes non-residential property owners with onsite storm water BMPs to reduce the impact of storm water on the City’s system. The credit program enables non-residential parcel owners to seek reduction in storm water charges if specific onsite storm water control measures have been implemented in the property and are fully functional.  The onsite BMPs, in the non-residential properties, must demonstrate storm water flow control and/or provide water quality treatment to be eligible for the credits program.  

To receive storm water credits or to continue to receive the credits once granted, the property owners must maintain and operate the BMPs and ensure they are functioning appropriately as designed. The City may conduct on-site inspections to verify that the BMPs are functioning and are being maintained.

Frequently Asked Questions

Credits and Fee Adjustments Appeal Manual

The manual provides complete details on the policies and procedures relating to stormwater credits and fee adjustments.

Fee Adjustment Appeals Applications

Stormwater Credits Applications

Submit Your Application

Send the completed applications, supporting documentation, and the appropriate non-refundable application fee to:

The Commissioner of Public Works
 City of Wilmington
 Louis L. Redding City/County Building
 800 N. French Street, 6th Floor
 Wilmington, DE 19801

The Department of Public Works will review each application and send a written disposition to the applicant.

For customer assistance regarding stormwater utility billing, please call 311 within city limits or (302) 576-2620 from outside city limits.