Stormwater Utility

About Stormwater

The Stormwater Utility operates through funding approved by voters in April 1993 and increased by voters in 2015. Funding sources primarily consist of monthly Stormwater  Utility charges for all properties generally based on their impervious area. The Stormwater Utility was established to provide funding for the implementation of stormwater management projects and maintenance of existing storm water drainage facilities. In 2002, the Stormwater Utility began funding projects, education and outreach activities to address storm water quality and meet regulatory requirements.

Stormwater priorities include:

  • Assure the movement of emergency vehicles during storm runoff events.
  • Protect the public from rapidly flowing stormwater runoff or flash floods.
  • Minimize losses and property damage resulting from uncontrolled stormwater runoff.
  • Establish requirements for construction of stormwater management facilities in newly developed areas.
  • Coordinate with all City departments to comply with the requirements of the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit.

The Columbia Stormwater Utility is divided into two divisions: Engineering and Stormwater Maintenance.

Stormwater engineering

Engineering is responsible for the design and construction of community-approved infrastructure projects in the Stormwater Utility Capital Improvements Program (CIP). This includes survey, design, right-of-way acquisition, contracting and construction inspection.

The Engineering Division is also responsible for implementing the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit issued by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.  As part of this effort, engineering staff perform stormwater outfall inspections, investigate reports of potential illicit discharges to the stormwater system, and respond to stormwater complaints.

Capital Improvement Plan projects

Additional resources

Stormwater maintenance

The Stormwater Utility maintains our stormwater infrastructure by ensuring pipes and inlets are cleared and properly catching and redirecting rainwater. Stormwater infrastructure is also used to reduce instances of flooding and preserve the quality of our streams. 

Cleaning Crew

The Stormwater Utility’s cleaning crew is assigned to clean and clear storm drains and pipes across Columbia. Cleaning stormwater pipes involves using a jet to propel a cleaning nozzle that is attached to the end of a high-pressure hose through all the main underground pipes. This clears the lines of debris, such as leaves, trash and mud. If necessary, the lines are also cleared of roots by attaching a hydraulic root saw to the end of the jet hose. 

Closed Circuit Television Inspection

The Stormwater Utility uses a state of the art closed-circuit television (CCTV) system to internally inspect storm drains and line connections. This system consists of a color camera with a pan and tilt head, which can turn 90 degrees in any direction and is self-propelled through pipes. The camera transmits a picture to a monitor and video recorder located inside a van. Using this system, problems can be located and identified quickly, without excavation, so that proper corrective actions can be taken. 

Repair Crews

The repair crew is responsible for system repairs. Following a storm, the repair crew will visit locations previously identified with obstructions to ensure the infrastructure in the area is functioning properly. They will also investigate when a Columbia resident reports a stormwater concern. This crew repairs stormwater lines that have been determined to be in poor condition by TV inspection that was done following a heavy rain event or because of a problem suspected during routine cleaning. 

MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) projects & programs

Boone County, City of Columbia and the University of Missouri are co-permittees under a Phase II MS4 Permit issued by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

The MS4 program has six elements termed “minimum control measures” which when implemented should result in a significant reduction in pollutants discharged into receiving waters. The six minimum control measures are outlined below.

  1. Public Education and Outreach
    Distribute educational materials and conduct outreach to inform citizens about the impacts that stormwater runoff has on water quality.
  2. Public Participation/Involvement
    Provide opportunities for citizens to participate in the stormwater management program or other programs which improve water quality.
  3. Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
    Develop and implement a plan to detect and eliminate non-stormwater discharges into the stormwater system.
  4. Construction Site Runoff Control
    Develop, implement and enforce an erosion and sediment control program for construction site activities that disturb one acre or greater.
  5. Post-Construction Runoff Control
    Develop, implement and enforce a program to address discharges of post-construction stormwater runoff from new development or redevelopment areas.
  6. Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping
    Develop and implement a program that reduces or prevents pollutant runoff from municipal operations

Program documents

Additional resources