Stormwater

The Stormwater Division handles critical infrastructure throughout the City. Keeping our stormwater system in good repair and addressing federal and state mandates regarding stormwater management is essential for both commerce and neighborhoods to function. Protecting City stormwater infrastructure protects investments and vital natural resources. 

This program is managed through a City-wide stormwater fee. This fee is assessed on all residential and commercial properties for the purpose of funding vital infrastructure programs. Please visit our FAQs to the left of the page for further information. 

Note: the City does not own or maintain any drainage structures outside of City-owned rights-of-way. Streams and waterways are under the jurisdiction of state and federal agencies (e.g. SCDHEC and the Army Corps of Engineers), and outside of the City's purview. 

View the Stormwater Management Plan (PDF).

CITY OF SPARTANBURG STORM SEWER ASSETS

The City of Spartanburg currently owns or maintains a large and varied stormwater system, including approximately 65 miles of stormwater pipe ranging in size from 12 to 72 inches. Generally, this includes pipes that are located in the right-of-way (ROW) of City-maintained roads. The median year of installation for the pipes is 1975 and the average pipe age is slightly more than 30 years old. The City also maintains more than 5,000 storm drainage structures (drainage manholes, catch basins, pipe headwalls, etc.) that are located in the City's rights-of-way. The vast majority of the stormwater infrastructure in the City was installed by private developers, most of which has been dedicated to, and accepted by, the City for maintenance. The South Carolina Department of Transportation also installs stormwater infrastructure under their various programs in their right-of-way.

PROPOSED MANAGEMENT APPROACH

Managing these assets as they become older and less able to perform as designed will be costly. However, these costs can be minimized if the assets are consistently maintained and actively managed over time. The EPA and SC Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) have recognized this need and are promoting practices such as Asset Management that allow utilities to address existing needs now, and minimize the cost of management as the infrastructure ages.

STATE REGULATIONS

DHEC regulations regarding Stormwater Management require the City to address six minimum control measures:

  • Public Education and Outreach on stormwater impacts
  • Public involvement and Participation
  • Illicit discharge Detection and Elimination
  • Construction Site Stormwater Runoff Control
  • Post-construction Stormwater Management in New Development and Re-Development
  • Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping for Municipal Operations

HOW TO HELP

You can help protect our water quality. If you see an illicit discharge of pollutants into a storm drain or culvert, contact the Stormwater Management Division by calling 864-596-3690.