Mid City Times

Fort Worth residents and businesses could see a slight increase in their stormwater utility fee next year, a crucial step in safeguarding the community from future flood-related risks.

The proposed 5% rate increase aims to accelerate the rehabilitation of high-risk storm drain infrastructure citywide, enhancing public safety and mitigating system failure.

Delayed rehabilitation of storm drain pipes increases the risk of collapse. If drainage pipes collapse, the movement of stormwater can be restricted. This situation increases the risk of flooding and sinkholes and can have dangerous impacts on people, structures, roads, and vehicles.

For example, a single-family homeowner would pay $83.28 annually, an increase of 33 cents per month over current rates. Commercial, industrial, and institutional property owners like gas stations, warehouses, and schools would see existing monthly payments increase by 5%. For instance, a small commercial land use like a gas station with one acre of hard surface such as building area and parking lot would pay $5.61 more per month. A medium-sized commercial land use with ten acres of hard surface would pay $55.11 more per month.

Fort Worth’s stormwater utility launched in 2006 after five fatalities due to flooded roadways and significant flooding to 300 homes and businesses in 2004. The program’s mission is to protect people and property from harmful stormwater runoff.

The stormwater rate has increased six times since the utility’s inception. The latest was in 2024 with a 15% increase.

Routine inlet cleaning ensures that the movement of stormwater is not restricted.

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