Service Charge

Stormwater Utility (SWU) Payment Reminder Letters

Reminder letters for payment of the Douglas County Stormwater Utility Annual Service Charge have been mailed out to those who still need to make payments.   If you receive a letter, please be aware that you have NOT been sent to collection. There is still time to bring your account current.  To avoid futher action, payments must be received by August 1, 2023. 

The SWU Annual Service Charge bill is initially mailed with the property tax statements.   The Service Charge is not always paid by escrow, which can create confusion and result in missing the payment.  

Service Charge payments are remitted to the Douglas County Treasurer.  Please visit the Treasurer's page for information and to MAKE A PAYMENT. 

PAYMENT FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Stormwater Utility (SWU) Service Charge

The utilities' rate structure is based upon the amount of impervious surface area within each parcel or equivalent service units (ESU).

An annual service charge of $45 per ESU, shall be levied against each developed parcel within the SWU SERVICE AREA.  

Billing and Payments

Annual Service Charge bills are included in the same envelope as the Property Tax Statements that are mailed in February.  SWU Service Charge payments are due April 30th. 

Service Charge payments are remitted to the Douglas County Treasurer.  Please visit the Treasurer's page for information and to MAKE A PAYMENT. 

Examples Service Charge Calculations

The following are examples of how ESUs are calculated and applied within the service area:

• Single family residence equals 1 ESU
• Duplex equals 1 ESU
• Tri-plex/Four-plex equals 2 ESUs
• For all other parcels: Number of ESUs equals the total square feet of impervious surfaces divided by 2,750 square feet (the approximate surface area of an average residential rooftop and driveway)

Please note:

• No developed parcel shall contain less than one  ESUs
• Undeveloped parcels do not contain ESUs
• Douglas County and East Wenatchee pay for their impervious areas, including streets, roads, trails, and parking lots

Notes

• Qualified low-income senior citizens and disabled persons may be eligible for a discount.