A new Stormwater Utility Fee will appear on Savannah utility bills starting Sept. 1.

The fee applies to properties within city limits and is separate from water, sewer and sanitation charges. It will fund flood reduction, drainage maintenance, ditch and canal cleaning, and drainage improvements.

The amount each property owes is calculated based on hard surfaces - such as roofs, driveways and sidewalks - that do not absorb water.

Residents and business owners will see the charge listed under a “Stormwater Charges” section on their bills. Credits - which may include rain barrels, rain gardens or retention ponds - will appear as “STORMCR.”

Read more at WTOC11.