Why do I have to pay this?

Each building in the city impacts the ability for water to be absorbed by the ground, instead directing this water as runoff into storm drains, ditches, culverts, etc. All properties in the city with an existing structure or non-permeable surface such as paving fall into this category. Stormwater fees also help cover the cost of street cleaning and upkeep as well as the maintenance of the storm drainage system itself.