Stormwater is rainwater that flows over streets, rooftops, and other surfaces, carrying pollutants into creeks, ponds, and eventually, the Trinity River. The City of Carrollton manages stormwater to protect local waterways and safeguard drinking water sources. 

Unlike wastewater from sinks and toilets, stormwater does not go to a treatment plant. Anything that enters a storm drain flows directly into local waterways and eventually the Trinity River, which is part of the region’s drinking water supply. This makes stormwater management an important part of protecting water quality, wildlife habitats, and the overall health of the community. 

North Texas is one of the fastest-growing regions in the U.S., and Carrollton is no exception. The City manages 243 miles of underground storm sewer, 27 miles of creeks and channels, and two dams, which together make up the City’s stormwater system. As Carrollton’s population and development grow, creating more impervious areas, effective system maintenance becomes more important than ever to prevent flooding, protect local waterways, and position the community for a sustainable future.

Revenue from stormwater fees will support ongoing maintenance of the stormwater system and critical capital improvement projects, including drainage infrastructure, channel improvements, flood mitigation, and dam enhancements. 

Yes. Many surrounding North Texas cities, including Addison, Coppell, Denton, Farmers Branch, Garland, Lewisville, Plano, Richardson, and others have implemented a stormwater fee.

An impervious area is any hard, human-made surface that prevents stormwater from soaking into the soil. These areas include roofs, foundations, garages, driveways, patios, decks, and other surfaces. 

The larger the impervious area of a property, the more stormwater runoff it generates. The tiered stormwater fee structure reflects each property’s overall contributions to the public drainage system. 

Residents or businesses may appeal their amount of impervious area by submitting a written appeal within 30 days of receiving the public utility billing statement that includes the disputed matter. The dispute resolution form will also be included on the City website. 

Stormwater fees do not apply to property owned by the City, counties, independent school districts or open-enrollment charter schools, and tax-exempt religious institutions. 

The City of Carrollton has and will continue to allocate funds toward development and infrastructure projects, such as improvements to streets, alleys, and drainage.

However, changing environmental conditions (such as extreme weather patterns, aging infrastructure, and other similar factors) in North Texas have created a need for a dedicated fund for stormwater-related projects. These conditions include urban development, population growth, natural environmental changes, and aging infrastructure. By establishing this fund, Carrollton will be able to maintain the stormwater system even as conditions change. 

The revenue will fund projects such as the Woodlake Dam, localized drainage phase one, Hutton Drive drainage channel, Woodlake 5 drainage, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) map update, and an underground stormwater evaluation. 

Yes. At the November 4, 2025 meeting, Carrollton City Council unanimously approved an ordinance establishing the stormwater fund and associated fees.