How is stormwater connected to drainage?

Drainage is stormwater that does not soak into the ground. It refers to water that falls as rain and runs off the land, and especially off of pavement or structures placed on the land. The city’s drainage system handles this water, and it consists of pipes, inlets, culverts, street gutters, ditches, channels, creeks, lakes, ponds, dams, tunnels and floodwalls. Drainage can be a problem because of flooding, erosion and impacts on water quality. The Stormwater Compliance Fee pays for programs that prevent, mitigate and/or correct these problems.

The drainage system should not be confused with the sanitary sewage system, which takes away water used in homes, businesses and industries for toilets, sinks, showers, washing machines and various types of business processes. The sanitary sewer system is a different system of pipes and infrastructure that lead to a wastewater treatment plant.

Show All Answers

1. What is storm water?
2. How is stormwater connected to drainage?
3. What is a Stormwater Compliance Fee?
4. Why is Sugar Land charging a Stormwater Compliance Fee?
5. Are all properties billed?
6. Are there any exemptions from the Stormwater Compliance Fee?
7. What types of projects will the fee benefit?
8. How are Stormwater Compliance Fees calculated?
9. What is my Impervious Cover?
10. Do you charge renters for Stormwater Compliance?
11. What if I believe my Stormwater Compliance Fee charge is incorrect?
12. What if my impervious cover changes?
13. What are unfunded mandates?