Storm Water Utility Charges
Funding to support capital and operations for vital storm water infrastructure and flood protection services is currently generated through the Storm Water Management Charge.
Storm Water Management Charge
Saskatoon’s Storm Water Management Charge is based on the Equivalent Runoff Unit (ERU) which represents the runoff from an average single family residential property. The 2024 rate for one ERU is $106.80 ($8.90 monthly), which is charged to single family residential properties regardless of property size.
Commercial, industrial, and multi-residential properties are charged for the proportional amount of runoff they create. These properties are charged a minimum of two ERUs ($213.60) and a maximum of 100 ERUs ($10,680) annually based on their size and the surface type.
The Storm Water Utility was established in 2002 with uniform rates for all types of properties regardless of size or type to fund storm water services. In 2011, Saskatoon City Council approved changes to the Storm Water Utility rates to make them proportional to the storm water generated based on property size and surface type. The Equivalent Runoff Unit (ERU), used by many municipalities for storm water utility billing, was adopted.
Rate Structure & Billing
Single Family Residential Properties
In 2024, single-family residential property owners are charged $8.90 for their Storm Water Management Charge on their monthly utility statements.
Commercial, Industrial, and Multi-Residential Properties
Storm Water Management Charges for commercial, industrial, and multi-residential properties are based on proportional runoff from their sites with a minimum of two ERUs ($213.60) and a maximum of 100 ERUs ($10,680). All property surfaces are considered when calculating the ERU value. Surfaces with higher perviousness such as grass and gravel produce less runoff and are therefore assessed a lower runoff value than more impervious surfaces such as roofs, driveways, and sidewalks. Commercial and industrial property owners are billed annually in mid-year and multi-residential properties are billed monthly for Storm Water Management Charges.
Reduce Your Storm Water Management Charge (Commercial)
Commercial and industrial property owners can receive a credit on their Storm Water Utility bill by implementing storm water best management practices on their properties such as private storage ponds, oil and grit separators, green roofs, permeable paving, rain gardens, or orifice control systems. Property owners must apply and be approved for a Storm Water Management Credit in order to receive a reduction in their Storm Water Utility bill. Please visit www.saskatoon.ca/stormwatercredit for more information.
Property owners may request a recalculation of their ERU value by contacting stormwater@saskatoon.ca. An investigation is then conducted to ensure the estimated amount is accurate.