Surface Water Management Fee
Posted on 08/20/2018

Newcastle’s stormwater system is completely separate from other water utilities that service the community, including drinking water and wastewater, though it is funded similarly through a utility fee. The city contracts with King County to assess the Surface Water Management (SWM) fees on property tax statements. It goes directly into Newcastle’s SWM Fund. The SWM Fund pays for the entire SWM Division of Public Works, including:

— Stormwater operation and maintenance equipment and staff,
— Staff who manage Newcastle’s stormwater permit,
— Staff who work to keep our communities’ surface water clean, and
— Essential stormwater capital improvement projects like replacing old or failing infrastructure.

Learn more about Newcastle’s SWM Division here. In 2018, single family homes paid an annual flat rate of $202.79, which is equal to a monthly rate of $16.90. In 2018, commercial and multi-family properties paid SWM fees based on the percentage of impervious surface (parking lots and roofs) on their property.

SWM fees must increase periodically to operate and maintain the SWM utility, which has rising costs due to inflation, aging infrastructure, and additional requirements of Newcastle’s stormwater permit. SWM fees pay for an essential piece of keeping our community, and the surrounding environment, safe and clean for all to enjoy.

Newcastle Knows Clean Water is a new series brought to you by city Surface Water Specialist Kim Jones. Look for regular updates that give citizens an inside look at the city's Surface Water Management Division and how it impacts you! Questions about Newcastle Knows Clean Water? Contact [email protected]. See previous articles at newcastlewa.gov/cleanwater.

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