Drainage & Storm Sewer

Mission Statement
To safely convey urban runoff to the Big Sioux River through Best Management Practices (BMP’s), storm sewers, and open channel drainageways, including in-stream storm water detention and retention basins that are in compliance with EPA regulations.

Division Summary
The City established a storm drainage fee in 1982 as a charge on real estate property to fund the operation, maintenance, and capital expense of the storm sewer and drainage system. This fee is based on lot area, runoff weighting factor, and unit financial charge. Proceeds from this fee are used to fund the various activities of Public Works personnel involved in drainage projects.

The storm drainage fee annually raises over $2 million in revenue to fund various City drainage projects. The City currently owns and maintains over 35 storm water detention ponds that total over 250 acres of land area in size.

The Drainage System Cost Recovery (DSCR) continues to fund initiatives to design and construct regional Best Management Practices (BMP’s) while the drainage fee provides funding necessary for the maintenance and operation of the City’s existing storm drainage facilities.

In 2003, the Regional Detention Charge (RDC) was approved by City Council to provide the funds necessary to purchase real estate necessary for the construction of regional BMP’s. The DSCR and RDC are intended to provide the resources necessary for the construction of stormwater management facilities for new developments or significant redevelopments.

During 2003, 56,179 feet or 10.64 miles of storm sewer and 11,762 feet or 2.23 miles of sump pump collection system piping systems were added throughout the city.