Stormwater

Stormwater runoff occurs when rainfall or melting snow fails to evaporate or be absorbed by the ground, leading to excess water flowing off the land. While stormwater is a natural phenomenon, urban development exacerbates its associated issues. The impervious surfaces created in Tega Cay, such as streets, driveways, and rooftops, inhibit rainwater absorption. Consequently, the increased presence of these hard surfaces reduces the land's capacity to absorb water, resulting in greater stormwater runoff.

Stormwater Fees

Fees are assessed based on how much a property owner impacts the stormwater system. Properties with a higher amount of impervious surfaces generate more stormwater runoff, thereby increasing the demand on the stormwater system. As such, the stormwater utility user fee is calculated according to the extent of impervious surface area on a property. Similar to other utility charges like water, the stormwater utility fee is based on a base unit known as the Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU).

All developed properties in Tega Cay will incur charges for one or more ERUs. One ERU corresponds to 3,500 square feet of impervious area, a figure derived from statistical analysis of city residences. This represents the average impervious surface area—including roofs, driveways, sidewalks, and outbuildings—found in a single-family residence in Tega Cay. Non-single-family residences, however, exhibit a greater variation in impervious surface area and will be charged a fee based on the total number of ERUs their property contains.

How much will I be charged?

Single-family residences will be charged a flat fee for one ERU each year. Non-single-family properties, such as businesses and schools, will have their fees calculated based on the total impervious surface area. This area is divided by 3,500 and rounded up to the nearest whole ERU. The City Council sets the fees annually during budget discussions, which are detailed in the Stormwater Fee schedule.

Annual Report

• 2025