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1. What is stormwater runoff?

Stormwater runoff results from rain or snow fall that cannot be absorbed into the ground or retained. As this water flows over construction sites, farm fields, lawns, driveways, parking lots, and streets, it picks up litter sediment, bacteria, metals, pesticides, and other pollutants.  Unlike sanitary sewers that go to a treatment plant, our stormwater drains to the storm sewer system and eventually into the Rock & Mississippi Rivers. Stormwater in the city does NOT go through treatment plants. As the amount of impervious surfaces such as rooftops, driveways, and parking lots increase, the amount of stormwater soaking into the ground decreases. The result is increased stormwater runoff, an increased potential for flooding and more pollutants entering the city’s storm sewer system and our rivers.

For more information, visit the Stormwater webpage.

2. What does “pervious” and “impervious” surface mean?

Pervious refers to the ability of a surface to absorb water. Conversely, impervious surfaces cannot absorb water. For example, the gutters on your home collect the rain water from your impervious roof. The downspouts from the gutters carry the water to a point in your pervious yard.

3. What is the stormwater utility fee?

A stormwater utility is a special assessment set up to generate funding specifically for stormwater management. Businesses and residents within the City of Moline pay a stormwater fee, and the revenue collected directly supports maintenance of the existing storm drain systems, development of drainage plans, flood control measures, water quality programs, and funds major capital expenses. In order to meet new, federally-mandated regulations for discharging stormwater and pay for the associated storm sewer-related infrastructure costs, the City of Moline has chosen to implement a stormwater fee rather than raise property taxes or cut services. Moline residents that have stormwater and/or sanitary sewer issues, please call the Stormwater Hotline at 309.524.2300 Monday through Friday from 7 am to 3:30 pm; after 3:30 pm and weekends, call 309.524.2300.

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4. How does a fee differ from a tax?

There are several differences between a fee and a tax. 

User equity – Fees are more proportional and give users more control over the amount charged.  With fees, larger users pay more, and smaller users pay less.  Users can also reduce the amount of the fee by taking steps to manage runoff. Property retaining 100% of their runoff can qualify for a 100% reduction in their fee. Also, properties, that drain 100% to a river or are 100% vacant may also qualify for a reduction in fee.

Dedicated funding – Fee revenue is segregated meaning the funds can only be used for the specific purpose for which they are collected. For example, stormwater fees can only be used for stormwater related costs.  In contrast, tax revenues are available for almost any use, and competition for tax dollars have historically resulted in little, if any, funding for stormwater-related items. 

Tax exempt property – Many properties in Moline such as property owned by the City, County, School District, Black Hawk College, and churches are granted tax exempt status.  Many of these tax exempt properties have large amounts of impervious area.  Assessing a Utility Fee on tax exempt properties ensures that all properties are assessed fairly based on their amount of runoff and does not create a system where the taxable properties subsidize the non-taxable properties.

5. Why not use property taxes to pay for the storm sewer?

The City could certainly increase our tax levy rate to pay for storm sewer maintenance and operation costs.  We have ample property tax authority.  However, the burden would not be distributed as widely or proportionately, there would be no dedicated source of revenue for stormwater or a financial incentive for property owners to retain stormwater runoff.

6. What services will be provided?

The fees pay for the ongoing and routine maintenance of the existing drainage system, construction costs for new storm sewers and NPDES stormwater permit requirements. Examples include, but are not limited to, installation of new inlets or pipes, cleaning ravines and ditches, fixing sinkholes and pipe separations, and correcting erosion problems.

7. The City has already been doing the work.  Why can’t you continue the same way?

Actually, the City has not been doing the work. For years, storm sewer repairs have been performed only when an emergency presented itself, cleaning has almost never been done and the City has not been able to be proactive in maintaining the storm sewer system adequately.  The Stormwater Utility Free allows the City to make repairs on known problems as well as clean pipes, inlets and ditches before flooding, back ups or other emergency conditions arise.

8. None of my water goes into the storm drains.  Why do I have to pay?

It’s important to remember that the City’s storm sewer includes much more than just storm drains and pipes. It also includes all gutters, ditches, swales, ravines and any other path that water follows on its way to the Mississippi and Rock Rivers. Even if your property does not have a storm drain or inlet near it, your stormwater runoff will still follow the City’s storm sewer system. Your property is also likely to generate runoff from a large rain event, even if the ground absorbs it during “normal” events. In any event, you benefit from an adequate, functioning storm sewer system that allows for proper drainage, decreases the likelihood of flooding and erosion and eliminates pollutants from surface and stormwater runoff. You also benefit from the regulation and monitoring of properties upstream and around you.

9. Can I get credits or discounts on my utility fee for installing a rain garden?

Properties with stormwater retention best management practices such as rain barrels, detention ponds or rain gardens may submit calculations from a certified engineer that document the percentage of stormwater retained by the practice. The City will review the calculations and make adjustments to the Stormwater Utility Fee as appropriate. Properties which discharge to an approved stormwater retention system or directly to the Mississippi or Rock Rivers may apply for a discount or up to 100% from the quarterly charge. Vacant property that has only pervious surfaces will be exempted from the fee.

10. Does the City offer money or designs for rain gardens?

While the City recognizes the benefits of rain gardens and other forms of stormwater retention, Moline does not currently offer funding to assist homeowners or businesses in implementing rain gardens. Many organizations, like
Riveraction, offer suggested plantings and designs if you want to do-it-yourself and several local landscaping companies will do the actual design, construction and planting for you.

11. Why can’t I dump my grass clippings and lawn waste in the ravine anymore?

When dumped into a ravine, these items often obstruct the free flow of stormwater which causes backups, flooding or erosion. This usually happens downstream from where the material is dumped without the knowledge of the person dumping and violates the City Stormwater Ordinance by allowing prohibited material into storm sewer system.

Dumping leaves and grass clippings in a pile is often confused with the composting process, where organic lawn waste is actively managed and monitored to accelerate the break down of the waste into a useful end product. Dumped lawn waste, although biodegradeable, smothers existing vegetation and does not decompose. Unless you are turning, watering and checking the temperature of the pile, you are not composting.

12. What can I do with my lawn waste?

The City encourages residents to properly compost waste or take advantage of yard waste programs in place. Residents can rake leaves to the curb (but not into the street or gutter which obstructs flow) for vacuuming or bag lawn waste. Leaves may be vacuumed from the roadside from October 17 - December 9th, although sticks are not allowed. Residents may bag yard waste, place a $2.00 City sticker on it and have it taken on their regular trash pickup day from April 4th - December 16th. The City will even pick up your paper yard waste bags without a sticker from October 17th - December 16th. Contact the Municipal Services Division at 309.524.2400 for more information. Branches may be set out with your regular trash pick up but they must be bundled in 4’ lengths and cannot be more than 1 foot in diameter. Special waste pickups are also available for large branches and other material for $140. Information about disposal of a wide range of material is available on our Municipal Services page.

13. My neighbor’s gutter downspouts and/or sump are directed to my property and are causing standing water in my yard. What can I do?

The City Stormwater Ordinance (sec 34-4102e) prohibits forcing surface water off one property and onto a neighboring property. A downspout concentrates and speeds up runoff from buildings and is considered a direct discharge. The City encourages neighbors to settle private property disputes independently whenever possible; however, the City will enforce the Stormwater Ordinance when necessary by contacting and informing properties with prohibited discharges.

Overland flow or runoff that travels naturally across one property to another is considered part of the storm sewer system and must be maintained to ensure proper drainage in the City. If stormwater drainage patterns are altered, the flow must be allowed to run its natural course without restricting or increasing flow. Changes to drainage patterns must be permitted and approved by the City Engineer prior to any land disturbance.

14. How do I report a clogged storm drain?

Contact Rich Westmoreland, Municipal Service Operations Manager, at 309.524.2402 or submit a request.

15. What can I do to help with stormwater issues?

If you have flooding or drainage issues, witness a strange discharge or see a blocked pipe or drain, contact the City. Documenting problem situations is the first step to working with the City to resolve these issues. Not every drainage issue can be remedied, but if the City doesn’t know about the problem, we can’t help.

Maintain ravines, ditches and other drainageways to allow flow. Landscaping, sheds and other structures can change intended flow patterns in your neighborhood so check with the City to see if there may be a drainage easement in your yard.

Do not litter. Even the smallest cigarette butt contributes to blocked pipes, flooding and degraded water quality. All the trash and debris in our streets flows to the storm sewer and eventually to the Mississippi and Rock Rivers. If you wouldn’t throw that lunch sack into the river, don’t throw it in the street or storm drain.

Manage your runoff. Use rain barrels, plantings or rock basins to contain your gutter and sump flow so it soaks into the ground instead of flowing overland and onto your neighbors. This can prevent erosion and reduce the impact your property has on the City storm sewer.

Take your leftover paint, used oil, and cleaning products to the appropriate household hazardous waste collection center for proper disposal. Never, never dump these items into the storm system. Stormwater goes untreated directly into our rivers. View the
Earth 911 website, put in the item you need to dispose of and your zip code for disposal locations near you.