STORMWATER CREDITS
Save Thousands With Stormwater Credits
Most commercial and multi-residential properties in Philadelphia are already eligible for stormwater credits, but many owners never claim them. We identify every opportunity to reduce your bill, handle the paperwork, and ensure your property meets PWD standards without stress. Our proven approach has helped property owners save millions annually while keeping infrastructure in top shape.
Credits Overview
Understanding Stormwater Credits And Their Value
The Philadelphia Water Department offers significant rewards to property owners who take active steps to manage and control stormwater runoff on their sites. By earning stormwater credits, properties can reduce monthly water bills by as much as 90% a major saving that directly impacts the bottom line. However, these credits are not automatic; they require careful documentation, regular inspections, and consistent maintenance to remain valid year after year. This is where Philadelphia Water Logs steps in providing the expertise, tracking, and support needed to ensure your credits stay active and your savings continue without interruption. With our support, property owners can confidently maintain compliance, secure ongoing savings, and safeguard their property’s reputation while making a positive environmental impact.
Why It Matters for Property Owners
Every commercial and multi-family property in Philadelphia is billed for stormwater. Without credits, you may be paying far more than necessary. By earning credits, you reduce that footprint in the eyes of PWD, which means a lower bill and ongoing savings. These savings add up quickly (especially for large sites) and can free up capital for other property improvements.
What Stormwater Credits Are
Stormwater credits are reductions to your monthly stormwater charge, granted when you implement and maintain stormwater-friendly features. These may include managed infrastructure, direct drainage to waterways, or impervious area reductions. Many properties are already eligible without major construction, they just need a proper application.
The Four Ways To Earn Stormwater Credits In Philadelphia
The Philadelphia Water Department offers four main credit types, each rewarding you for stormwater-friendly site features. Whether you preserve green space, reduce pavement runoff, manage water with approved systems, or maintain an NPDES permit, there’s a pathway to lower your bill. Our role is to identify every possible credit and guide you through the application, so you never leave savings on the table.
Open Space Credit
This credit is given for natural, pervious surfaces like grass, gardens, or wooded areas. These surfaces help stormwater soak into the ground, rather than flow into the sewer system. Properties with more open green space have a greater potential for this credit. The type of soil is also important, as more absorbent soils provide better infiltration.
Impervious Area Reduction (IAR) Credit
Granted when hard surfaces like roofs, driveways, or parking lots are redirected to areas where water can naturally infiltrate. These areas include grassy strips, rain gardens, or tree-covered zones. Even small disconnections from the sewer system can qualify for measurable savings.
Managed Impervious Area (IA/GA) Credit
Earned by installing and maintaining approved stormwater management practices (SMPs) like infiltration basins, porous pavement, or green roofs. This credit also applies to properties that discharge directly to a waterway without using city-owned infrastructure.
NPDES Credit
Available to properties that maintain an active National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Industrial Permit. This credit rewards compliant industrial sites for managing and monitoring stormwater discharges according to federal standards.
Could Your Property Qualify For Stormwater Credits?
You don’t need a full redevelopment to qualify for credits. In fact, many buildings in Philadelphia’s commercial corridors, industrial zones, and residential communities already meet the criteria. We’ll identify your eligibility and handle the paperwork so you can focus on running your property.
You may qualify for stormwater credits if your property:
- Has landscaped lawns, wooded zones, or other pervious surfaces that allow water to infiltrate.
- Redirects roof or pavement runoff to grassy or natural areas instead of the sewer system.
- Has tree canopy coverage over hard surfaces like parking lots or rooftops.
- Utilizes approved stormwater management practices (SMPs) such as rain gardens, porous pavement, infiltration basins, or green roofs.
- Discharges stormwater directly into a waterway without using city-owned infrastructure.
- Holds an active and compliant National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Industrial Permit.
- Retains open pervious space in accordance with PWD criteria.
- Has implemented stormwater retrofits through grants or private investment.
Your Full-Service Partner For Stormwater Credits
Applying for credits can be overwhelming if you don’t know where to start. We take that burden off your shoulders, handling inspections, reports, and all necessary PWD communication. Our job is to uncover every qualifying feature on your property and translate it into real, measurable savings.
Comprehensive Site Assessment
We conduct an in-depth evaluation of your property to identify every credit-eligible feature, from tree canopies to stormwater management systems.
Pinpointing Your Credit Potential
Our experts inspect your property to find qualifying features that could cut your stormwater bill significantly.
Detailed Property Analysis
We measure, photograph, and document your site to ensure nothing is missed during the credit application process.
Your Property, Fully Documented
Every green space, disconnection, and SMP is logged and verified to meet PWD’s standards.
The First Step to Savings
Our evaluation lays the groundwork for a strong, accurate, and successful credit application.
Your Trusted Partner for Navigating the Philadelphia Water Department
For over a decade, property owners and municipalities in Greater Philadelphia have trusted us to keep stormwater systems efficient, compliant, and cost-effective through inspections, maintenance, and timely repairs.
Complete PWD Support
We handle everything from initial inspections to maintenance, repairs, and paperwork submission.
Proven Violation Resolution
Our proactive approach reduces the risk of costly fines, downtime, and unexpected emergency repairs.
Local Expertise
We understand PWD regulations in detail, eliminating guesswork and delays.
250+
Stormwater systems inspected across Greater Philadelphia.
400+
Violations resolved quickly and documented for clients.
10+ Years
Proven experience in stormwater compliance and construction.
$1M+
Total stormwater credit savings earned for clients.
Common Questions About Stormwater Renewals
What exactly are stormwater credits, and how do they save me money?
Stormwater credits are a financial incentive from the Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) that reduce your monthly stormwater management fee. For non-residential, condominium, and multi-family properties, this fee is based on your property’s total impervious area: surfaces like roofs, parking lots, and driveways where rain can’t soak into the ground. If your site includes stormwater management systems, green space, or other qualifying features, you can earn credits that lower this bill. Over time, these savings can add up to thousands of dollars while also helping the City manage flooding and water quality.
How long do stormwater credits last, and do they need to be renewed?
Every credit issued by PWD lasts four years. Before it expires, you’ll need to apply for a renewal and provide evidence that the features earning you the credit are still in good condition. Our team handles this entire process for you, so you never miss a renewal window and your savings continue without interruption.
What happens if I receive a Notice of Violation from PWD?
When you receive a Notice of Violation, it’s essentially PWD’s formal warning that your property is not meeting regulations. You’ll need to address the issues outlined in the notice by the stated deadline. This might involve structural repairs, maintenance work, or providing updated reports. Partnering with experts who have resolved hundreds of violations can make the process smoother, protect you from further penalties and potentially save you money.
How much money can stormwater credits actually save me?
Yes, in some instances, you may be eligible for increased credits if you’ve expanded or upgraded your stormwater management practices (SMPs) since your last approval. This includes additions like porous paving, rain gardens, or extra infiltration systems. To qualify, you’ll need to submit updated design documents, as-built plans, and revised calculations to the PWD. We assess each renewal to identify opportunities for maximizing your credits and further reducing your stormwater bill.
What kind of documentation does PWD require for renewals?
There’s no one-size-fits-all number, but we’ve seen clients reduce their stormwater bill by 20% to 80%. On large parcels, this can mean five-figure annual savings. Because credits stack by category, the more qualifying features you have, the bigger the discount.
Can I get credits for features already on my property, or do I have to build new systems?
Credits aren’t limited to new construction. If your property already has pervious surfaces, drainage swales, or stormwater systems, you can apply for credits based on those features. We help document and prove their value so they’re recognized by PWD.
What is the process for applying for stormwater credits?
The process starts with a site assessment to identify eligible features. We then collect measurements, photos, and documentation to prepare your Stormwater Credits Application (Form B). Once submitted to PWD, they’ll review the application and may request clarifications. Upon approval, your credits take effect on your stormwater bill, and the four-year cycle begins.
What happens if my credit application is denied?
If PWD rejects your credit application, you have the right to appeal or reapply once you’ve addressed their concerns. We’ve helped many clients turn a denial into an approval simply by refining the documentation and demonstrating compliance more clearly.
Received A Notice Of Violation? We Can Fix It Fast.
A stormwater violation can put your site and budget at risk. We’ll help you navigate the entire process, from initial notice review to implementing repairs and submitting reports that meet PWD standards.
