Stormwater runoff is water which results from rainfall. Stormwater travels over land to streams and ponds and ultimately reaches bays. As Sarasota County grows, natural ground cover is converted to watertight and impervious surfaces, such as buildings and parking lots. The amount of rainwater that can soak into the ground is reduced. If unmanaged, the increased stormwater running off these impervious surfaces can cause serious flooding and water quality problems.

In 1989, the county determined that the system of stormwater management practices wasn’t adequate to meet all the problems associated with stormwater management. To control water quantity, enhance water quality and effectively manage stormwater, a Stormwater Environmental Utility was established.

The Stormwater Environmental Utility provides stable and dedicated funding for long-range planning and capital improvements to address existing as well as future concerns. It provides the ability to develop and implement a stormwater management plan to ensure that stormwater systems are properly planned, constructed, operated and maintained.

The Sarasota County Stormwater Environmental Utility is committed to providing responsive, courteous, quality service to all customers in the maintenance, repair, improvement, management and operation of the public stormwater management system.