Utilities

Utility Rates

Type of UtilityFee
Water$10.46 per 1,000 gallons 
Irrigation Water$10.46 per 1,000 gallons
Sewer$8.22 per 1,000 gallons
Garbage and Recycling $13.91 per month
Additional Garbage Cart$10.73 per month
Meter Charge$1.62 per month (standard house meters)


Emergency Services

For water- or sewer-related emergencies, please call the 24/7 hotline 515-822-4671. Examples of emergencies include:

  • Broken water main / fire hydrant
  • Water service line (between a water meter and the street)
  • Sewer backups (possibly caused by city infrastructure
  • Water gushing from the middle of a street

This line is not able to help with any billing issues.


Stormwater Utility Fee

In order to comply with NPDES (National Pollution Discharge Elimination System) MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) permit requirements, the City must develop water quality regulations, stormwater quality monitoring with outfall inspection and sampling, stormwater programs, ordinances, master planning, watershed management, education, and public outreach.

Property TypeNumber of Equivalent Residential LotsFee
Undeveloped PropertiesN/A$0.00
Single Family Dwelling1 Equivalent Residential Lot$6.38
Duplex Dwelling1 Equivalent Residential Lot$6.38
Townhome Dwelling1 Equivalent Residential Lot$6.38
Mobile Home Dwelling1/2 Equivalent Residential Lot$3.19
Apartment Dwelling1/2 Equivalent Residential Lot$3.19
Non-Residential Properties 1 to 40 Equivalent Residential Lots$6.38 per Equivalent Residential Lot


An Equivalent Residential Lot (ERL) is based on the total area for an average residential lot in the community. ERL shall be used as the basis for determining stormwater management fees. One ERL is equal to 10,000 square feet.

The number of ERLs on non-residential properties shall be calculated by reference to the Polk and Dallas County records. Stormwater fee billing will begin upon water meter installation (if applicable). The maximum number of ERLs is capped at 40.

Why Stormwater Management is Necessary

Stormwater Management Permits

Grimes National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit (PDF) - The permit covers the period January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2024.

Resources

Videos

View some helpful videos on ways you can help cut down on stormwater pollution on YouTube.

Illicit Discharge Reminder

View our Illicit Discharge Reminder - Draining Pools and Spas (PDF).