Important Information About Upcoming Stormwater Utility Bills

RARITAN TWP., N.J. (Hunterdon County) — Township property owners, you have probably received a green card in the mail about the upcoming Stormwater Utility Bill – we’ve got more information for you that we couldn’t squeeze onto that card about what you can expect when you receive your first bill in the first week of Sept. 2025.

The initial utility bill is a fractional rate – or one-third (1/3) – of the annual bill total. Starting in 2026, bills will be issued annually and due in the first quarter of the year. Rates are calculated based on the amount of impervious surface (e.g., rooftops, pavement) that generates stormwater runoff and the type of property: single/multi-family residential dwellings and commercial/institutional properties (e.g., schools, government buildings and hospitals). Rates for single-family homes are estimated whereas rates for all other properties are based on actual impervious surface area.

Single-family residential owners can expect to pay between $20-$80.00 for the partial bill and approximately $60-$240.00 for the full bill scheduled to be sent in early 2026. Most single-family residential owners will pay $40.00 for the first partial bill and $120.00 for the annual bill in 2026. Those in multi-family residential homes will not receive bills for their property but will likely receive notice from their homeowner’s association regarding an increase, as the utility bill will be issued to the HOA.

Just like your property tax bill, you can pay your Stormwater Utility bill online, by mail, by using the drop box outside the Municipal Building, or in person in the Tax Collector's Office.

NOTE: Payments can be made by credit card, check or money order only. Cash payments will not be accepted.

Credit Policy

The Township will be implementing a credit policy which will allow property owners to apply for a credit towards their Stormwater Utility Bill for installing and maintaining a stormwater management feature on their property (e.g., raingardens and drywells). The amount of the credit will vary depending on the type and size of the feature but will likely range from $20-$40 for a single-family home. The credit policy will go into effect for 2026 when the first full bill is to be issued.

Property owners will be able to submit applications for credit beginning in the 4^th quarter of 2025. Details for submitting a credit application will be available by Oct. 1, 2025.

Why Do We Need the Stormwater Utility?

Earlier this year, the Township established the utility to maintain compliance with the mandated 2023 New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection ("NJDEP") MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) permit requirements. More importantly, the utility was created in lieu of raising property taxes.

Pursuant to the Clean Stormwater and Flood Reduction Act (P.L. 2019, c.42), also known as the Stormwater Utility Law, establishing a Stormwater Utility creates a dedicated and equitable funding source for stormwater management by charging property owners based on the impervious surface that generates runoff. The model shifts away from relying on general tax revenue, which exempts institutional properties (schools, hospitals, government) that are often some of the biggest contributors to stormwater runoff.

All funds collected on behalf of the utility must be dedicated to performing the work required by the NJDEP and will initially be used for infrastructure maintenance and repair. Future funding will also be used for infrastructure upgrades and studies related to mitigating flooding and environmental concerns.

In 2024, the Township received a grant from the NJDEP to work with a consultant to study the feasibility of establishing a utility. As part of the process, the Township held several public meetings prior to approving the implementation of the utility. All property owners were notified of the final public meeting via an insert in their 2024/2025 tax bill. The consultant’s presentation from the final meeting is available on the Township’s Stormwater Utility page.

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