The Customer Service section of Wastewater Management is responsible for accurately billing the agency's 160,000 customers for monthly sanitary sewer and annual storm drainage charges.
Storm drainage charges are billed separately, calculated annually and billed in semi-annual installments.
Pay Storm Drainage Charges Online
Our goal is to respond to customer inquiries in a prompt, accurate, and professional manner at all times.
You can pay your storm drainage bills online using DenverGov's StormPay. You will need your Account Number and Impervious Area which are listed on your invoice. Major credit and debit cards are accepted, and there are no additional fees for using online payments.
Find the account number and impervious area on the top right of your printed invoice (highlighted on the sample invoice shown here).
Enter the account number only (do not enter the two-digit account code). Do not enter dashes or commas.
When you have your information ready, click the Pay button to go to the next screen.
Pay Bill Now
Steps for paying online
- Go to www.denvergov.org/stormpay (found on your Storm Drainage Service Charge invoice) on a supported internet browser to review the example of the Storm Drainage invoice showing the information you need to access your account.
- Click Pay Storm Drainage Charges Online.
- On the Online Payment form, type in the Account Number and the Impervious area as previously shown in the example. Click Next.
- The current balance and account information are displayed. If this information is correct, click Continue. This will add the account total to the Shopping Cart.
- To change the Base Amount and pay a different total, click Edit, delete the amount and enter the amount you wish to pay.
- Add additional accounts to pay with the same credit card information by clicking Add More.
- Return to the previous screen by clicking Back.
- Proceed to complete the transaction by clicking Checkout Now.
- Complete the required fields: Payor Name, Phone, Credit Card information. If you wish to receive an e-Mailed copy of the receipt, enter in the e-Mail address. Once all information is entered, click Complete Transaction.
- You will see the receipt. To print from this page, click Print Receipt. Your payment is now posted to your account.
Sign up for e-Billing
To receive your storm invoices electronically in the future, you can sign up to for e-Billing online. You must create a Denvergov account.
e-Billing
Sanitary sewer charges are billed in combination with Denver Water. Water and sanitary sewer charges appear on a single monthly bill.
Pay your Sanitary Sewer Charges at DenverWater.org
Every time you take a shower or flush a toilet or do the dishes, you’re producing sewage, which is the wastewater generated from bathrooms, kitchens, laundry facilities, etc. It comes from homes, businesses, commercial properties and public institutions. Sewage runs through the sanitary sewer system and is treated through a variety of biological and chemical processes in the treatment facility at the Metro Water Recovery, and rendered safe before it’s returned to the environment.
Sanitary Sewer charges are billed monthly.
To reduce costs, and as a convenience to customers, we have developed a combination water-sewer bill in conjunction with the Denver Water Department. Denver Water is responsible for meter readings and for processing and sending out the combined bills. Sanitary Sewer charges are based on the water consumption metered by Denver Water.
Every residential sewer customer has a one-month winter billing period (February meter reading). Metered water consumption for this winter period establishes sanitary sewer charges (beginning with the March bill) for the entire year — until the next winter billing period. Even though your water use may increase during the summer, your sanitary sewer charges will remain constant.
The sanitary sewer charge for non-residential property is based on actual metered consumption, or minimum charge, in each billing period during the year.
Beginning on January 1, 2021, storm and sanitary rates will increase annually based on the percentage increase of the Consumer Price Index for Urban Consumers (CPI-U).
Request a Review
Click here to view form.
Winter Billing Period
For residential users (both single family and multi-residential, such as duplexes or four-plexes) sanitary sewer charges (which are included in the monthly Denver Water bill) are calculated based on the metered volume of water into the premises during a winter billing period, usually the month of February. This time period is used because customers are doing little or no outside watering. Consequently, this should measure the lowest consumption of the year. This winter billing rate applies to sewer charges beginning with the March water/sewer bill and continues for the rest of the year. It will be re-determined the following year during the next winter billing period.
If a residential customer has a water leak during the winter billing period, they are advised to call Wastewater Management / Customer Service at (303) 446-3500 once the leak is repaired to see if the sanitary sewer charges can be adjusted.
If we determine that an adjustment is in order, we will credit the account for the billing period(s) after the leak was repaired. We cannot provide a credit for the month in which an inside leak (dripping faucet, toilet leak, etc.) occurred because the water from an inside leak enters the sanitary sewer system and must be treated.
Customers are also encouraged to call us if they are a new homeowner or a new tenant and think their usage is less than what they are being billed for. If you are a tenant, your name must be on the Denver Water bill for us to process your request.
If it appears we will be able to adjust your account (for a leak or new tenant / homeowner) we will ask you to submit a written request giving us permission to review your account. Please provide copies of any receipts for repair work. You may use the form linked on this page or write us a brief letter of request.
Commercial / Industrial Customers
Because water and sewer charges for commercial / industrial customers are based on actual monthly consumption, we do not adjust for inside leaks for commercial / industrial customers. However, we can adjust for outside leaks. We need a written request from the customer. Please include repair receipts. If you don’t have receipts, we can send an investigator to verify the leak and subsequent repair.
An adjustment cannot be made until consumption returns to the prior year’s usage for the same period and we will only adjust for the billing periods affected by the leak.
You may send us a request of your own via USPS, fax, or e-mail. You may also use the PDF form linked on this page.
The stormwater system is separate from the sanitary sewer system. Runoff from rain, snowmelt, excess lawn watering and similar activities is transported via the stormwater system to our waterways. This system and our storm drainage facilities require continuous operation, maintenance, renewal and replacement to try to prevent runoff, which can flood streets and damage property.
There isn’t a treatment facility for stormwater like there is for the wastewater from the sanitary sewer system. But the City and County of Denver does maintain many sustainable stormwater management facilities such as grassy swales and retention ponds that help remove some impurities before the water is discharged to major waterways. The City is also researching potential stormwater treatment options to ensure future environmental standards are met.
Request a Review
Click here to view form.
Impervious Surfaces
Developed properties have impervious surfaces (buildings, sidewalks, parking lots, etc.) that prevent water from permeating into the ground. Thus, all developed properties have an impact on the storm drainage system. Therefore, in 1981, Denver City Council determined that each and every owner of a lot or parcel of developed property within the city should pay for the availability, use, and maintenance of our storm drainage system. As stated in the Denver Revised Municipal Code (DRMC) 56-112, the Storm drainage fee shall be calculated by determining the ratio of impervious surface measurements to parcel or lot size. This calculation is applied in the same manner whether the property is residential, commercial or industrial.
The DRMC does not allow for the fee to be based upon the quantity of storm water runoff that actually enters into the city’s drainage system. Such a method would be too expensive and cumbersome to implement and maintain.
To ensure that everyone is billed equitably, we try to keep pace with the construction changes throughout the city and update our impervious area measurements accordingly. To meet this goal, inspections are performed on properties throughout the City and County of Denver. These inspections are done using aerial photographs and GIS, site plans for new construction, and site inspections when deemed necessary. An inspection will update an account, and based on the data, may result in changes to the annual charge. Customers are encouraged to contact our office at 303-446-3500 if there are any questions regarding their account and how the charge was determined.
If you think the impervious surface measurements for your property are incorrect, please call us at (303) 446-3500. We will be glad to explain the measurements and resulting storm drainage fees or changes between prior charges and current charges. If after this conversation you are sure the measurements are incorrect, please write us or submit the PDF form linked on this page to initiate an impervious surface re-measurement.
Beginning on January 1, 2021, storm and sanitary rates will increase annually based on the percentage increase of the Consumer Price Index for Urban Consumers (CPI-U). For 2024, this increase is 4.70%.
This will fund projects to update aging infrastructure, including projects to address citywide storm drainage maintenance which will help protect against serious drainage problems that may result in flooding. Larger projects are selected in places most prone to flooding and smaller projects are determined based on local issues.
For information about specific projects, please visit the Current Transportation and Infrastructure Projects page and scroll down to Storm/Sanitary Sewer Infrastructure projects.
Storm Drainage Rates
| |
2022 |
2023 |
Effective
January 1, 2024 |
| Minimum Annual Charge |
$23.82 |
$25.77 |
$26.98 |
| Ratio Groups |
$ per 100 sq. ft. |
| .0 to .10 |
3.35 |
3.62 |
3.79 |
| .11 to .20 |
4.17 |
4.51 |
4.72 |
| .21 to .30 |
5.07 |
5.49 |
5.75 |
| .31 to .40 |
5.96 |
6.45 |
6.75 |
| .41 to .50 |
6.83 |
7.39 |
7.74 |
| .51 to .60 |
7.32 |
7.92 |
8.29 |
| .61 to .70 |
7.77 |
8.41 |
8.81 |
| .71 to .80 |
8.63 |
9.34 |
9.78 |
| .81 to .90 |
9.49 |
10.27 |
10.75 |
| .91 to 1.00 |
10.41 |
11.26 |
11.79 |
| Average SFR annual charge, using approximate median of 2,750 sq. ft. impervious on a 7,500 sq. ft. parcel; ratio = 0.367 |
$163.90 |
$177.34 |
$185.67 |
Sanitary Sewer Rates
| |
2022 |
2023 |
Effective January 1, 2024 |
| Rate/thousand gallons |
$4.99 |
$5.40 |
$5.65 |
| Unit minimum/living unit (monthly) |
$13.63 |
$14.75 |
$15.44 |
| Average SFR monthly charge |
2022 |
2023 |
Effective 1/1/24 |
| Winter consumption = 7,000 |
$34.93 |
$37.79 |
$39.55 |
| Winter consumption = 5,000 |
$24.95 |
$27.00 |
$28.25 |
Meter Minimums (monthly)
| |
2022 |
2023 |
Effective 1/1/24 |
| 5/8" meter |
$13.63 |
$14.75 |
$15.44 |
| 3/4" meter |
$20.46 |
$22.14 |
$23.18 |
| 1" meter |
$34.07 |
$36.86 |
$38.59 |
| 1-1/4" meter |
$51.21 |
$55.41 |
$58.01 |
| 1-1/2" meter |
$68.26 |
$73.86 |
$77.33 |
| 2" meter |
$109.12 |
$118.07 |
$123.62 |
| 3" meter |
$204.60 |
$221.38 |
$231.78 |
| 4" meter |
$341.11 |
$369.08 |
$386.43 |
| 6" meter |
$682.16 |
$738.10 |
$772.79 |
| 8" meter |
$1,091.88 |
$1,181.41 |
$1,236.94 |
| 10" meter |
$1,568.90 |
$1,697.55 |
$1,777.33 |
| 12" meter |
$2,933.18 |
$3,173.70 |
$3,322.86 |
| 16" meter |
$2,933.18 |
$3,173.70 |
$3,322.86 |
Outside City Rate
| 3-month period (fixed) |
$186.47 |
$201.76 |
$211.24 |
| Rate/thousand gallons |
$7.48 |
$8.09 |
$8.47 |
| Unit minimum/living unit (monthly) |
$20.46 |
$22.14 |
$23.18 |
Storm Drainage charges are calculated annually and billed semi-annually; every property — commercial and residential — will be billed twice a year. Each property owner's Storm Drainage bill is based on a formula using the lot size, the total impervious (or impermeable) surface area, and our billing rates.
Impervious surfaces are areas in which runoff does not soak directly into the ground. These surfaces may include building roof tops, sidewalks, driveways, patios, swimming pools, etc. The higher the percentage of impervious area on your property, the higher the likelihood for runoff to our system, and the higher your rate per 100 square feet of impervious surface. Conversely, the lower the percentage of impervious area, the less potential for runoff, and the lower your rate per 100 square feet of impervious surface.
Note: per city ordinance, we always use impervious area measurements to calculate storm drainage charges; we never attempt to measure the actual amount of water that runs off any property.
Use the Bill Calculator to estimate your bill.
Rates: Effective January 1, 2024
Sanitary Sewer/Storm Drainage Billing Questions
Why am I billed for storm drainage?
When land is undeveloped, rain and melting snow will soak into the land or naturally flow to streams and rivers. When land is developed, an impervious surface is created. An impervious surface is a man-made area that will not readily absorb water. Examples of impervious surfaces include paved areas, roof tops, streets and sidewalks. Developed land cannot absorb the water as easily, if at all, and many flow patterns are changed. In order to control the storm water, a storm drainage network has been built. These facilities must be operated, maintained, renewed and replaced in order to provide a safe flow of storm water.
To control storm waters and receive the benefits of that control, there is a cost. Since everyone in the City benefits, The Denver City Council passed an ordinance in 1981 which authorizes a storm drainage service charge to be collected from the owners of all improved parcels of land.
How is my storm drainage bill calculated?
The storm drainage charge to a property owner is based on the relative impact the property will have on the storm drainage system. For instance, a parking lot will have more storm runoff than a grassy area of the same size. The charge is based on the ratio of impervious surface area to total parcel area. An impervious surface is a man-made area that will not readily absorb rain water as it falls. Based upon that ratio, a rate is applied to the impervious area to calculate the annual charge. The higher the ratio, the greater the rate. This calculation is applied in the same manner whether the property is residential, commercial or industrial.
Calculate your Storm Drainage bill
How does Wastewater measure my total parcel and impervious area?
By using the parcel lines that Denver County Assessor has listed. We utilize a geospatial measuring software of all impervious surfaces and roofline-to-roofline of all buildings within the parcel boundaries. If there is any discrepancies or errors, an investigator can make an onsite visit to verify and/or provide a remeasurement of the impervious areas.
If you believe your impervious area is incorrect, you can request a remeasure.
How many times a year do I get billed for my storm drainage fee?
Twice a year. Your bill consists of two six month cycles.
How does my storm drainage bill compare to other cities?
Denver’s storm and sanitary bill rates are currently about $100 lower than the average for other larger Colorado cities. With the rate changes that were approved in 2016, Denver would be about $60 below the average in 2017, when the first full year of the rate change takes effect.
How are my storm drainage charges different from the Mile High Flood District charges on my property tax statement?
The charges on your property tax statement are collected for the Mile High Flood District. MHFD is a regional agency, involved in the planning and funding of major storm drainage projects, many of which cross city and county boundaries. The MHFD charge is a tax and is based on the assessed value of your property.
By contrast, our storm drainage fee is not a tax. It is based on the relative impact the property will have on the Storm drainage system. Our charges are not a duplication of funds collected on behalf of MHFD.
For more information on MHFD, see mhfd.org
Why is my sanitary sewer bill combined with my water bill?
To reduce costs and as a convenience to customers, a combination bill was developed. The sanitary sewer bill is based on the water consumption metered by the Denver Water Department. This information is included on your combined bill.
How is my sanitary sewer bill calculated?
Each year, we establish a new winter consumption for every residential customer, based on the metered water consumption shown on the February bill. The winter consumption sets the sanitary sewer charges for the entire year, starting with the March bill. Even though your water use may increase during the summer, your sanitary sewer charges will remain constant until a new winter consumption is calculated.
The sanitary sewer charge for commercial property is based upon actual metered consumption in each billing period during the year.
How does my sanitary sewer bill compare to other cities?
Your sanitary sewer charges are actually lower than many other cities, both locally and nationally. A national 2009 survey shows that Denver's residential sanitary sewer rates are the 3rd lowest of 36 large U.S. cities surveyed.
Who do I contact when I have questions about my storm drainage or sanitary sewer bill?
You may phone Wastewater's Customer Service unit at (303) 446-3500.
Our telephone hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday - Friday. Our offices are open to answer your questions from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday - Friday. We are located at 2000 West Third Avenue, Denver.
What happens if I don't pay my bill?
You should pay any past due amounts as soon as you can. Wastewater Management Division does not charge a late fee. However, if you fail to pay either sanitary sewer or storm drainage charges, a service lien may be filed against your property. When a service lien is filed with the city’s Treasury Division, Treasury will increase the balance owed by a filing fee and monthly interest charges. All liens filed are to be paid directly to the Treasury Division. For a pay-off of a service lien contact Treasury at (720) 913-9500.
Service lien delinquencies unpaid as of November of each year are sold at a tax lien sale. The City Treasurer will then file a tax lien against the property. If the tax lien and interest is not settled within three years from the date the tax lien is filed, title to the property may be lost to a Treasurer's Deed.
Billing & Payment Questions
What are the steps for making an online payment?
- After typing in the link www.denvergov.org/stormpay (found on your Storm Drainage Service Charge invoice) into the address bar of your internet browser, the Pay Now window appears. There is an example of the Storm Drainage invoice showing the information you need to access your account. Click Pay Now.
- Type in the Account Number and the Impervious area as previously shown in the example. Click Next.
- The current balance and account information are displayed. If this information is correct, click Continue. You may add additional accounts you wish to pay using the same credit card information by clicking on Add More. You can return to the previous screen by clicking Back. The Base Amount can be changed at this point.
- This account is now in the Shopping Cart and the amount to pay can be changed by clicking Edit.
- Proceed to complete the transaction by clicking Checkout Now.
- Complete the required fields: Payor Name, Phone, Credit Card information. If you wish to receive an e-Mailed copy of the receipt, enter in the e-Mail address. Once all information is entered, click Complete Transaction.
- You will see the receipt. To print from this page, click Print Receipt . Your payment is now posted to your account.
Can I pay in person?
Yes, you can pay at the Webb building with CPD cashiers, who are temporarily located across from the Treasury department on the first floor. You will need your account number and impervious area.
Which credit cards are accepted?
The major credit and debit cards accepted are VISA, MasterCard, and Discover.
Is my credit card information secure?
The Wastewater Management Division of the City and Department of Transportation and Infrastructure does not store or retain credit card information and email addresses after payments are processed. To ensure a secure online payment, we provide 128-bit-SSL encryption.
Is there a fee for using the online bill payment service?
Is there any discount/low-income program for the storm drain or sewer bills?
No, there are no current programs available.
Is there a minimum amount I can pay?
No, there is no minimum amount.
Can I make a partial payment or pay in advance?
Yes, partial and advance payments are accepted.
What if I have late or overdue payments?
You should pay any past due amounts as soon as you can. Wastewater Management Division does not charge a late fee. If you fail to pay sanitary sewer or storm drainage charges a service lien can be filed against your property. When a service lien is filed the balance owed is increased by a filing fee and monthly delinquency interest is charged. Service lien delinquencies unpaid as of November of each year are sold at a tax lien sale. The City Treasurer will then file a tax lien against the property. If the tax lien and interest is not settled within three years from the date the tax lien is filed, title to the property may be lost to a Treasurer's Deed.
Can I set up my account for automatic payment for the yearly billing?
No. Automatic bill payment is not available.
Do I need to make an account online to pay?
No, you can pay without an account.
Will I get a receipt as proof of payment?
There are two ways to get a payment receipt: (1) Enter an email address on the Payment Information screen to receive a receipt via email. (2) Click on Print Receipt after the transaction is completed successfully.
What if I make a payment but don't receive an email confirmation?
Email confirmations are only generated if you enter an email address on the Payment Information screen. The receipt will go to the email address that you provide in that field. If you entered a correct email address and did not receive a receipt, contact Wastewater Management Division Customer Service at (303) 446-3500 or wmdcustomerservice@denvergov.org.
How do I request a refund?
Fill out this form, including proof of payment and proof of identity. The form will be emailed directly to our billing department to process your refund.
Click here to view form.
I am trying to pay online but it says account number xxxx-xx-xxx-xxx cannot be found please check your entry and try again. Error: Failed
During the periods when we are processing our liens, our online payment portal shuts down for everyone. Please wait for 5 business days to try to pay again whether that be online, or in person. If you still have an issue, then please call us at 303-446-3500.
How to request a status/transfer (for Title Companies only)
Wastewater billing department will provide the status/transfer for both Solid Waste and Storm Drainage billing. Please submit a status/transfer request using our online forms.
Transfer of Service for Title Agents
Please note that we do not provide just statuses on accounts; we process a complete full transfer. To transfer service on a City and County of Denver property that has a Stormwater and Trash account, the title company will need to fill out this form prior to the closing date. Please allow 24-48 hours for a response.
A Wastewater account history with new buyer information will be emailed, along with the most current Trash invoice for billing information if one is available on the Solid Waste site. Note that commercial accounts don't get billed for trash service through the City and County of Denver.
Please note that not all properties are billed individually. If the property has a suite/unit number, it may bill through the HOA or if the seller has advised it's an HOA. If you need to check if it is billed through an HOA, please email WMDCS.TITLECOMPANY@denvergov.org. Please input “HOA” in the subject line and list the parcel number and service address in the body of the email that you want to be checked if it's an HOA billing.
Please email WMDCS.TITLECOMPANY@denvergov.org if you need to update or correct a mailing address.
If the closing has been delayed, and you need an updated status that's outside of the billing cycles you currently have received, please fill out the form below, named “Updated Status Request”. Please note, this request is only for an updated status after the transfer has already been requested and sent to you.
After you have received the transfer information and you have billing questions for Wastewater Storm Drainage Billing, please call (303) 446-3500. If you have billing questions for Trash Billing, please email SWMbillinginquiries@denvergov.org. Please note all payment research and refund requests must be requested via email at WMDcustomerservice@denvergov.org. You can also fill out our online refund request form.
If the sale cancels, please respond to the email you received with the status/transfer information and request to have the account changed back to the seller’s name.
Click here to view form.
Click here to view form.
Sewer Smells and Backup Emergencies
Emergency Contact Number
Wastewater Management Division
(303) 446-3400
Billing: Sanitary sewer or storm drainage
Customer Service Phone Representatives: (303) 446-3500
TDD for Hearing Impaired: Customer Service: (303) 446-3750
Mail: Wastewater Management Division
Attn: Customer Service
2000 W. 3rd Avenue
Denver, CO 80209
Denver Water Service
Questions/Customer Care
(303) 893-2444
www.denverwater.org
Contact Us
wmdcustomerservice@denvergov.org
Click here to view form.