Regional Stormwater Authority Study
Overview
CRCOG has been awarded funding through the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s Climate Resilience Fund to conduct a Capitol Region Stormwater Authority Feasibility Study. This study will help CRCOG and its member municipalities determine the feasibility of taking a regional approach to financing stormwater infrastructure.
Funding provided by the Climate Resilience Fund administered by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).
Study Updates
March 2026 Update: Did you miss the February 25 presentation? You can watch the video recording and view the slides.
January 2026 Update: Review the 1/26 Final Report “Regional Stormwater Authority Feasibility Study” and join us on February 25 for a virtual presentation on the study’s findings.
November 2025 Update: The Advisory Committee met on November 6 (see presentation below under Project Documents). The project consultant will be preparing a first draft of the project report and its findings. We anticipate the report will be released to the public by mid-January, with a final public meeting in mid-February.
October 2025 Public Outreach: CRCOG engaged with attendees on October 18 at the Rocky Hill Fall Festival and held a virtual public meeting on October 22.
August 2025 Update: At its August 6 Advisory Committee meeting, the project consultant presented possible stormwater utility rates and identified various factors that can impact the rate. The results of the regional stormwater survey were also released – we received 464 responses from around the region. Learn what respondents had to say about regional approaches to handling stormwater and if they were willing to pay for stormwater management. Learn more below, under “Project Documents.”
Project Details
CRCOG has retained the services of a consultant to lead us through the feasibility study process. The following summarizes key components of the scope of work. The project, which begins in February 2025, is expected to be completed in early 2026.
Stormwater Program Documentation & Gap Analysis
The project consultant will conduct a detailed analysis for current and future stormwater needs for 5 municipalities: Bloomfield, Hartford, New Britain, Rocky Hill, and West Hartford. Tasks include:
- Review budget data to document current stormwater program operating/maintenance costs, review Capital Improvement Plans, and meet with municipal staff.
- Determine current operating costs and potential improvements and perform a gap analysis.
- Create a spreadsheet summarizing current stormwater program operating activities and costs, future program operating activities and costs, and stormwater capital needs for each municipality.
Financial Analysis
The financial analysis entails:
- Developing estimated units of services, including community-specific Equivalent Residential Units (ERU). Click here to learn more about these terms and fee structures for stormwater authorities.
- Using data from previous task to determine revenue requirements for the municipalities’ stormwater programs.
- Developing a rate model.
Public Outreach & Engagement
CRCOG and the consultant will work with an Advisory Committee throughout the project. In addition, we anticipate holding two public meetings to solicit input and a public meeting to present the final results of the study.
Final Report
The final product will pull together the project work and discuss possible implementation of a regional stormwater authority. The report will examine legal and policy considerations, staffing and administration, and other considerations. It is important to remember that this is a feasibility study – participation by a municipality is not a commitment to create or join a stormwater authority.
Project Documents
- January 26, 2026 Final Report: Regional Stormwater Authority Feasibility Study
- November 6, 2025 Advisory Committee Presentation
- September 17, 2025 Advisory Committee Presentation
- August 2025 – Overview of Project (presentation slides)
- Raw Results – Regional Stormwater Survey
- August 6, 2025 Advisory Committee Presentation
- June 26, 2025 Advisory Committee Presentation with discussion notes added
- May 8, 2025 Advisory Committee Presentation
- March 18, 2025 Advisory Committee Presentation
Resources
Stormwater Utilities - The Basics
“What is a Stormwater Utility”, UConn Clear. This online module provides an overview of the purpose of a stormwater utility, fees, and other aspects.
The Watershed Institute – webpage with overview of stormwater utilities.
Stormwater Utilities in the U.S.
- For a nation-wide scan of existing stormwater utilities, check out the 2024 Stormwater Utility Report by Western Kentucky University. This latest survey identified just over 2,000 stormwater utilities in the U.S.
- Examples of Regional Stormwater Utilities:
- Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District – The district’s “Regional Stormwater Management Page” provides a number of resources.
- Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority (PA) – The Authority prepared a brief paper on regionalizing stormwater management. Watch a webinar that provides a detailed review of how they implemented a regional stormwater utility.
- Examples of how cities and towns explain stormwater utilities to property owners:
- Suwanee, Georgia – Their stormwater utility webpage provides easy-to-understand answers to common questions.
- Royal Oak, Michigan – Their stormwater utility webpage provides detailed explanations about their program, including graphics explaining how impervious surface is determined.
Stormwater Utilities in CT
- Two Connecticut Municipalities have adopted stormwater utilities: New Britain and New London.
- In 2023, the Southeastern Council of Governments conducted a 4-town Municipal Stormwater Utility Feasibility Study.
Questions & Email Updates
Sign up below for project emails below or email Heidi Samokar for more information (860-724-4282).