Stormwater Fees
Stormwater utility charges are based on an Equivalent Runoff Unit (ERU). One ERU equals the average amount of impervious surface on a single-family home. Using aerial photography, the City measured impervious surfaces throughout La Crosse and determined that the average single-family home has 2,841 square feet of impervious surface. Therefore, 1 ERU = 2,841 square feet of impervious surface.
Current Stormwater Rate as January 1st, 2026:
Determining Stormwater Fees
Residential
All residential properties are billed 1 Equivalent Runoff Unit (ERU) per quarter. Residential properties include single-family homes, twindos, duplexes, and triplexes with three or fewer housing units per structure (excluding super-duplexes and super-triplexes).
Duplexes and triplexes with multiple water meters will have the 1 ERU charge divided equally among the water meters.
Non-Residential
Non-residential properties include commercial, industrial, institutional, government, condominium, apartment buildings with four or more units, parking lots, and other non-residential properties.
Stormwater charges for non-residential properties are based on the property's actual impervious surface area. The number of Equivalent Runoff Units (ERUs) is calculated by dividing the total impervious surface area (square feet) by 2,841 square feet (1 ERU) and rounding to the nearest 0.1 ERU.
Reducing Stormwater Fees
Residential Parcels
Property owners may qualify for stormwater credits by installing approved stormwater management practices that reduce or improve stormwater runoff. Examples include installing at least 4 rain barrels, building a rain garden, or a combination of both.
To receive a residential credit, submit a Residential Credit Form to the La Crosse Utilities Office. After review and approval by the Engineering Department, the credit will be applied to the utility bill.
The maximum available credit is 80% of the stormwater fee:
- Up to 50% for improving stormwater quality.
- Up to 50% for reducing stormwater runoff quantity.
Non-Residential Parcels
Property owners can lower their stormwater fee by removing impervious surfaces, such as unused buildings, pavement, or other hard surfaces, and replacing them with grass or other pervious surfaces.
To update the impervious surface area, a Non-Residential Stormwater Application for Impervious Surface Changes must be submitted prior to issuance of building permits. If approved, the property's stormwater fee will be recalculated based on the reduced impervious area.
Property owners may also qualify for stormwater credits by installing approved stormwater management practices that improve water quality or reduce runoff. To apply, submit a Non-Residential Credit Form to the La Crosse Utilities Office. After review and approval by the Engineering Department, the credit will be applied to the utility bill.
To apply for a Stormwater Credit Application please visit the Stormwater Forms page.