Stormwater Management 

New Stormwater Utility Fee

In an effort to meet increasing demands associated with the Town of Wellesley's stormwater management, in July 2024,  Wellesley instituted a new stormwater fee for certain property owners. This appears on their utility bills. 

Wellesley is facing federal requirements to reduce the amount of pollution from stormwater runoff discharging to waterways, including substantial phosphorous reduction requirements of runoff into the Charles River. As a result, the Town must increase investment in stormwater infrastructure management to meet permit obligations.  

In 2023 Annual Town Meeting approved the creation of a new Stormwater Utility Enterprise Fund. Similar to Wellesley’s existing water, sewer, and electric utilities, this fund creates a separate accounting and financial reporting mechanism dedicated to managing the Town’s drainage systems. This ensures a dedicated funding source for Wellesley to meet stringent permit requirements and to address difficult climate change impacts.

For additional information and the fee structure, please visit  the Stormwater Utility Fee Schedule webpage.

DPW has developed a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about stormwater management.  For additional questions, please contact Customer Service at (781) 235-7600 ext. 3395, 3365, or 3366.

Learn about the Stormwater Utility Fee

Credit Policy & Abatements

To expand the effective area of stormwater improvements and to mitigate utility costs, credits have been developed against the fee for efforts that help improve the quality of runoff into our waterways. These may include Best Management Practices (BMPs) that mimic natural processes to treat and infiltrate stormwater, increasing water quality and reducing demand on Town drainage systems.  

Stormwater Utility Credit Policy

Stormwater Credit Application

Additionally, land owners may apply for an abatement if they feel their fee is incorrect. Examples of abatements include incorrect impervious area calculations, incorrect tier placement, or bills sent to incorrect owners. Owners submit the online abatement application through the portal below. This is reviewed by the Department of Public Works and a site visit may be conducted to verify information. 

DPW Abatement & Permitting Portal

Stormwater Property Viewer

Click the image below to open the Stormwater Property Viewer. In this map, you may search for your address to learn more about how billing was determined for your property.

property viewer image

Report Stormwater Pollution

Any signs of dumping, sewage, construction waste, or other non-stormwater discharges in the Town’s drainage system should be made to dpw@wellesleyma.gov  or the Form Center. Timely reports from you assist us in identifying suspicious pollution, help Wellesley improve the water quality in our region, and aid in MS4 permit compliance. Messages can be made anonymously 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  For urgent situations where hazardous materials pose an immediate risk to public health and safety, call 911.