The Stormwater Utility, the County Agency responsible for the planning and implementation of stormwater drainage projects, is charged with the task of improving stormwater management systems throughout the unincorporated areas of the County. The Utility improves and maintains existing local drainage systems, and develops a comprehensive master plan for the design, construction and operation of improved drainage systems throughout the County’s public storm sewer system.  The Utility also works to significantly reduce pollution discharged into surface waters, like our lakes, canals, rivers, bay and ocean.  In addition to attacking pollution problems, the Stormwater Utility’s work reduces damage to property and the potential danger to human life caused by South Florida’s often heavy and unpredictable rains.

Although stormwater utilities are relatively new, they are quickly becoming the means by which local governments can meet the responsibility for properly managing the environmental impact of stormwater run-off, as well as the need to provide adequate flood protection. In response to this problem, Miami-Dade has become one of 140 local governments in Florida to establish a Stormwater Utility Program. Now, more than ever, local governments must respond to greater challenges as it protects the public’s health, safety, and welfare.