Show All Answers

1. Why do I have to pay a Stormwater Fee?

To help facilitate federal stormwater compliance by providing a long-term, stable funding source for required, unfunded, stormwater mandates from the Clean Water Act. A stormwater utility fee is an alternate method to generate necessary funds rather than raise property taxes.

2. Where will the stormwater funds go?

All stormwater fees collected will go to fund stormwater programs only.

3. How did you come up with the fee?

Aerial photo studies by the Public Works and Engineering Department determined the average area of impervious surface for residences in Alcoa. This average, or Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU), equals 2,696 square feet for the City of Alcoa. Based on this data, Residential Units must pay a flat fee of $3 per month, and Commercial Units must pay $4 per ERU per month.

4. Does everybody in the City of Alcoa have to pay the Stormwater Fee?

Yes, Residential Units must pay a flat fee of $3 per month and Commercial Units must pay $4 per ERU per month.

5. Will Stormwater Fees be discounted?

Only to Commercial Unit classifications that meet discount criteria. Residential Units do not qualify for discounts. To learn more about the Commercial Unit criteria for discounts, visit our

Fee Structure Page.

6. If it doesn’t rain, do I still have to pay the Stormwater Fee?

Yes, fees are calculated based on impervious area and are necessary to fund improvement projects mandated by the EPA and to obtain the NPDES permit.

7. Can I get my utilities cut off if I don’t pay the Stormwater Fee?

Yes, stormwater fees are like any other utility and added to your total utility bill. If you do not pay any part of your utility bill, including the stormwater fee, your utility service can be cut off for non-payment.

8. Can you add my street to the list of problem stormwater and/or flood areas?

Yes, speak with a Stormwater Utility engineer from the Public Works and Engineering Department. Our phone number is 865-380-4800.

9. What about vacant property and public property like schools and parks?

Since rain falls on all property, all property will be charged a Stormwater Fee unless it falls under the “Exempt Properties" category. Schools, churches, city property, etc. will be charged like any other commercial property – based on the number of ERUs on the site.

You may read more about Exempt Properties on our

Fee Structure Page.