This page was updated Jan. 2025
Wellesley has filmed an educational video, created in partnership with the Natural Resources Commission. Learn how the new Stormwater Utility Fees fees help protect water resources and maintain critical infrastructure in the community.
New Stormwater Utility Fee
In an effort to meet increasing demands associated with the Town of Wellesley’s stormwater management, beginning in July 2024, certain property owners started seeing a new stormwater fee 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.
Following a robust public outreach process, the 2023 Annual Town Meeting approved the creation of a new Stormwater Utility Enterprise Fund. Rules and Regulations for the Stormwater Fund were approved by the Board of Public Works in spring 2024. 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.
The Wellesley Department of Public Works sent letters to all affected property owners explaining this change.
Property owners with existing water, sewer, or electric accounts will see the stormwater fee as a line item on existing monthly bills. Property owners without existing utility accounts will begin to receive a new monthly bill.
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.
