What is the stormwater drainage system and why is there a fee?

The stormwater drainage system collects, conveys, stores or otherwise affects stormwater or surface water. It can include a network of underground pipes, drainage ditches, culverts, and open channels designed for flood or drainage control which discharge to a receiving water body. The runoff contained within this system is not treated, so anything it picks up goes directly into the stream.


To maintain the stormwater drainage system all parcels within the corporate City limits are charged a stormwater user fee, excluding public streets. The fee is based on the classifications within the stormwater utility ordinance and billed to the resident's or business' existing utility bill.


The City of Goodlettsville's stormwater user fee is the result of an unfunded mandate from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) on stormwater discharges. This fee is used to finance annual compliance with this mandate.

Show All Answers

1. What is the stormwater drainage system and why is there a fee?
2. Why has a stormwater utility fee been implemented?
3. Where does our money go for stormwater projects?
4. How often is the stormwater user fee/charge updated?
5. If I disagree with the amount I am being charged, what do I do?
6. I am renting an apartment or house. Do I have to pay this charge?
7. What are things that should never enter a storm drain? Examples include but are not limited to:
8. What things can enter a storm drain?
9. Why is stormwater a problem?
10. What is the City's responsibility for stormwater?
11. Why is this a stormwater fee and not a property tax increase?
12. I have a detention pond on my property. Will the utility be responsible for the maintenance of the pond?
13. Are stormwater and sewer systems the same thing?
14. What is watershed?
15. Why is it important to protect a watershed?