In order to help pay for MS4 compliance and other drainage maintenance, a new storm water drainage fee of $1.75 per month will be billed through the WB MUD water bills for residential households.

As a municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4), Wells Branch is required to follow and implement certain measures to adhere to new Federal and TCEQ (Texas Commission on Environmental Quality) regulations.  MS4 is an “unfunded mandate”; the MUD is required by law to meet these directives, without any federal or state compensation.

What is MS4?  Broken down: “separate storm sewer system” includes ditches, curbs, gutters, storm sewers, and similar means of collecting or conveying runoff that do not connect with a wastewater collection system or treatment plant.  To be a “municipal separate storm sewer system” (MS4), the system must be owned or operated by a public agency such as a Municipal Utility District and be located in certain population density areas.

Fees collected will be used to develop and apply a storm water management program, clear and maintain existing drainage areas and detention ponds, pay associated permitting fees and other drainage maintenance requirements.

For more information, please visit:

Source:  http://www.tceq.texas.gov/permitting/water_quality/stormwater/WQ_ms4_definition.html