Announcement

Somerset Borough Introduces New Stormwater Management Program and Fee

Somerset, PA – March 24, 2025

In an effort to improve infrastructure and address stormwater-related issues, Somerset Borough has announced the launch of its Stormwater Management Program. This initiative aims to maintain and upgrade the borough’s stormwater system while implementing a new fee structure to fairly distribute costs among property owners.

Historically, Somerset Borough has managed stormwater through a network of pipes, inlets, and swales, with maintenance costs shouldered by taxpayers. However, as the need for proactive repairs and system upgrades grows, the Borough has opted for a dedicated stormwater fee rather than raising property taxes. The Municipal Authority of the Borough of Somerset officially took ownership of the stormwater infrastructure on November 20, 2023, and will oversee system operations moving forward.

The new stormwater fee, set to begin as early as April 2025, will be included in existing customer’s water and sewer bills or issued as a separate bill. The initial base fee is $5.00, with an additional Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU) fee of $1.00 per 3,875 square feet of impervious surface area. This funding model ensures that all properties contributing to stormwater runoff—regardless of tax-exempt status—pay their fair share for system maintenance and upgrades.

A Stormwater Management Fee Study conducted by the Borough’s Engineer recommended this equitable approach to funding. The revenue generated will first support ongoing maintenance and operations, with gradual increases planned to finance major capital improvement projects, including stormwater infrastructure replacement as part of a multi-year Sanitary Sewer Replacement Project set to begin in late 2025.

For more information about the Stormwater Management Program and fee structure, residents can visit the Borough’s website at https://www.somersetborough.com/watersewer/stormwater.htm

Sewer Lateral Testing and Inspection

The Borough will begin enforcing sewer lateral testing and inspection on April 1, 2025. The qualifying events for property owners to conduct testing in accordance with the prevailing Construction Specifications and Details and/or Policy, and obtain a Certificate of Compliance are; at the time of original connection to the POTW, at the time of sewer lateral replacement, repair or alteration completed by customer or its agent, at the time of property transfer or change of ownership, and at the time state in any governing Municipal ordinance which requires lateral testing. Please Note: The qualifying event pertaining to the time of property transfer or change of ownership is subject to any property listed on or after April 1st, 2025.

View more information on this Sewer Lateral Testing Notification

Sewage Compliance Form Instructions

Appendix D-1 - Compliance Certificate

Appendix D-2 - Lateral Test Form

Inflow and Infiltration: Protecting Our Sanitary Sewer System

 Disclaimer: This publication is not the ownership of the Borough of Somerset nor does the Borough own the rights to this publication. The Borough is using this content under the Fair Use Guidelines as specified under Section 107 of the Copyright Act. Please note that this is for Educational and Informational purposes only.

Part 1 - Introduction https://youtu.be/kXezHjwuCWw

Part 2 – The Impact of Rainwater Entering the Sanitary Sewer System https://youtu.be/n9dijs9lq8I

Part 3 – How Property Owners Prevent Rainwater From Entering the Sanitary Sewer System https://youtu.be/oHpkUsFCP38

Part 4 – How Municipalities Prevent Rainwater from Entering the Sewer System https://youtu.be/y1f8lCndk78

The Municipal Authority of the Borough of Somerset (MABS) is asking its customers to reduce nonessential water use after Somerset County was placed under a drought watch. This is reducing water use by about 5 percent. 

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection issued a drought watch last week for 33 counties, including Somerset. The drought watch is due to the little rain over September and October, capping off a dry six months, particularly in the southeast part to the state. MABS has adequate water supply however, it is important that all users begin being cognizant of their usage to mitigate the possibility of stricter conservation measures in the future.

 Learn more about how to conserve water usage: Water Usage Calculator, Water Conservation and Efficiency | Home Water Works and WaterSense | US EPA

 Learn more about DEP Drought Declaration Status: Drought Information