If you live in Johns Creek, you may have noticed a separate fee on your bill called the stormwater utility fee. But what exactly is it—and why are you being charged for rain?
What Is the Stormwater Utility?
The stormwater utility fee is not a tax. It’s a monthly user-based charge that helps fund the city’s system of pipes, drains, catch basins, detention ponds, and other infrastructure that manages stormwater runoff. That system prevents flooding, erosion, and water pollution, and it needs constant maintenance—especially in high-growth suburban areas like Johns Creek.
Rather than tying the cost to property value (like a tax), the fee is calculated based on how much runoff your property contributes to the system. That means properties with more pavement, driveways, and rooftops—known as impervious surfaces—will pay more than those with large lawns or natural landscaping.
How the Fee Is Calculated
Johns Creek uses a unit called an ERU (Equivalent Residential Unit), which represents 4,000 square feet of runoff area. This includes a weighted combination of impervious and pervious surfaces. The more runoff area a property has, the more ERUs it is assigned—and the higher the monthly fee.
Residential properties fall into tiers based on total runoff area:
| Tier | Runoff Area (sq ft) | Billing Units (ERUs) | Monthly Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | 401–3,000 | 0.5 | $2.90 |
| Tier 2 | 3,001–5,000 | 1.0 | $5.80 |
| Tier 3 | 5,001–7,000 | 1.5 | $8.70 |
| Tier 4 | 7,001–9,000 | 2.0 | $11.60 |
| Tier 5 | 9,001–11,000 | 2.5 | $14.50 |
| Large Residential | Over 11,000 | +1 ERU per 4,000 sq ft | Varies |
About half of Johns Creek homes fall in Tier 2 and pay $5.80 per month. Larger homes with bigger lots may fall into higher tiers and pay more.
Why Does This Fee Exist?
Stormwater systems are often overlooked—until they fail. This fee ensures that Johns Creek can proactively maintain and upgrade its system, avoiding flooding, sinkholes, and polluted runoff entering local streams and rivers.
It also allows the city to:
- Replace aging pipes and culverts
- Maintain detention ponds
- Clean catch basins
- Reduce erosion along creeks
- Prevent road and property damage after heavy storms
The utility is designed to be fair—charging more to properties that contribute more to runoff and less to those with minimal impact.
Can You Reduce or Offset the Fee?
Yes. Johns Creek offers stormwater credits to property owners who take steps to reduce runoff. Installing rain gardens, permeable pavers, or other sustainable drainage solutions may qualify your property for a lower rate.
You may also be eligible for adjustments if your property has recently changed ownership or usage.
When Is It Billed?
Stormwater utility bills are issued once per year, typically in July, and are due by August 31. Late payments are subject to fees and interest. If you just moved into a home and received a bill for the previous owner, you can request a prorated adjustment.
Final Thoughts
The stormwater utility fee may seem minor compared to your water or electricity bill, but it plays a major role in keeping Johns Creek’s infrastructure strong and its waterways clean. Most residents pay between $2.90 and $11.60 per month, depending on their lot size and runoff impact.
It’s a small investment in a system that protects your home, your neighborhood, and the natural environment.
