Helpful Stormwater Information

Fees

A monthly stormwater fee is charged to all property owners in Port Angeles. This fee supports the city's public stormwater utility. The current fee for all residential properties is $16.87 per month. The fee for commercial properties is based on the amount of impervious area at the facility.

One equivalent residential unit (ERU) equals 4,000 square feet of impervious. Surface cost per ERU equals $16.87 per month. Maximum number of ERUs assessed per property (cap) is 10.

Stormwater fees provide funding for activities required to construct new stormwater infrastructure, improve the quality of stormwater, maintain existing facilities, and comply with permit requirements. The stormwater utility is operated by the City's Department of Public Works and Utilities.

Watershed

A watershed is the area of land where all of the water that drains off of it goes into the same place. Watersheds come in all shapes and sizes. They cross county, state, and national boundaries. No matter where you are, you're in a watershed. View the Port Angeles watershed map for more information.

The Port Angeles watershed is just under 27,000 acres in size and includes the city of Port Angeles, part of Clallam county, and a small part of Olympic National Park.

Stormwater Concerns

Stormwater in urban areas can become polluted by litter, dirt, bacteria, chemicals, and oils that it picks up along the way to receiving waters. When polluted stormwater reaches a water body, it can have a harmful impact on the plants and animals in and around the water. It can also affect humans who swim or fish in the water, or whose drinking water comes from the water body.

Stormwater can also be a safety hazard to vehicles, pedestrians, and private property if it is not collected properly and forms pools in roadways.

Common Stormwater Pollutants Impact

Trash & Litter

Litter that reaches creeks and harbors can choke or suffocate birds and fish. Litter may also clog the stormwater drainage system, leading to street flooding.

Bacteria & Disease-Causing Organisms

These organisms can cause health hazards for animals and people.

Chemicals & Oil

Aquatic animals can be poisoned by chemicals and oils. People can be at risk if they eat contaminated fish or drink polluted water.

Nutrients

Nutrients from fertilizers or detergents can cause algae to grow in water. This algae uses up oxygen that native organisms need to survive.