Storm Water Management Credit Program
The Storm Water Management Credit Program is designed to provide a reduction in storm water charges to multi-residential or non-residential property owners who have implemented storm water and/or pollution prevention best management practices (BMPs). These BMPs should reduce impacts to the City's storm water infrastructure by improving the quality and/or reducing the quantity of storm water leaving their property.
Storm Water Management Credits are available in three categories, which align with the objectives of the City’s storm water program.
Credit Eligible Categories
Water Quality Improvements (Up to 20%)
Based on the proportion of storm water directed through a quality control infrastructure that meets the minimum standards of 80% total suspended solids removal for particle sizes 50 micron or larger.
Peak Flow Reduction (Up to 30% Credit)
Based on the proportion of storm water for a standard 1-in-2 year rain event held onsite and released slowly to the City's storm water system. The Credit is equal to 0.4 multiplied by the peak flow reduction up to 75%.
Onsite Retention/Runoff Volume Reduction (Up to 50% Credit)
Based on 2% per millimeter of storm water up to 25 mm that is retained onsite and not released to the City's storm water system.
Some BMPs could be eligible under more than one credit category. In such cases, only one credit category is available for each BMP. Applicants have the flexibility to apply in the category that provides the highest credit.
What are examples of BMPs that may be eligible?
The following are examples of BMPs that may eligible for the Credit Program:
- Oil and Grit Separators
- Parking lot storage along with orifice controls
- Underground storage tanks with orifice controls
- Enhanced vegetated swales
- Roof-top storage
- Green roofs/roof gardens
- Storm water ponds
- Rain gardens/bio-retention systems
- Cisterns
- Permeable pavement
- Infiltration Galleries
Descriptions of each of these BMPs can be found in the Credit Program Guidance Manual.
How can I apply for a Credit?
A fully completed Application Form and required supporting documentation including a maintenance plan must be submitted. Applicants should follow the Credit Program Guidance Manual to aid in the application process. Applications can be mailed to the Storm Water Utility at the address specified below or submitted electronically through email to stormwater@saskatoon.ca.
Storm Water Utility
Saskatoon Water - Utilities & Environment Department
City of Saskatoon
222 3rd Avenue N
Saskatoon, SK S7K 0J5
When can I apply for a Credit?
Applicants can apply for the Storm Water Management Credit as part of their building permit application (conditional approval subject to certification that BMPs are operational). If Credit Program Applicants are not going through the building permit application process, submissions of Credit Applications are encouraged to be submitted by April 30 each year so that the application can be reviewed, and any approved Credit be applied to the Annual Storm Water Management Utility Bill that is sent out between June and August.
Any fully completed application that is received prior to December 31 will receive a Credit amount that is retroactive to January 1 of the year the fully completed application was received, if the onsite storm water management was operational that year and if the measure is approved for a Credit. If any supporting documentation is not received prior to December 31, the Credit will not be applied for that year.
New Credit and Credit Update Application Checklist
- Completed Application Form
- Engineering Drawings and Details (Unless submitted with Building Permit Application)
- Credit Calculation (click here for Credit Calculator)
- Inspection and Maintenance Plan (click here for Template)
- Certificate of Operation (please find template in Guidance Manual)
Please review the Credit Program Guidance Manual for submission details.
Credit Renewal and Change-in-Ownership Application Checklist
- Completed Application Form
- Report confirming BMP performance and condition
- Completed Inspection and Maintenance Log (from previous property owner if Change-in-Ownership Application)
- Updates to Inspection and Maintenance Plan, as required
Please review the Credit Program Guidance Manual for submission details.