For over 40 years, the City of Federal Heights had not been financially able to maintain its substantial investment in drainage facilities, such as storm sewers, outfalls, and inlets. With only minimal attention, the existing facilities were deteriorating and becoming ineffective, creating greater risks with every drenching summer thunderstorm or heavy runoff from melting snow.

Compounding the problem is a backlog of projects to fix multiple stormwater drainage problems. In addition, the federal government has imposed pollution-control requirements to manage stormwater quality.

Created by City Council, the Drainage Utility addresses financial needs to fix these problems, by collecting a stormwater management fee or Drainage Utility Fee. The fee is based on the impervious surface area (areas that do not allow water to absorb into the ground) measured on each property.

The City of Federal Heights' Drainage Utility maintains the public stormwater drainage system which consists of curb and gutter, stormwater inlets, underground storm lines and open ditches.

Residents are urged not to dispose of branches, leaves, or grass clippings into open drainage systems or to place any debris in a location that would impede the flow of water into the underground system. Such action may result in serious flooding. In addition, wastes of any type are prohibited form being put into the storm drain system.
If you notice disposal of debris or waste into the storm drain, call 303-412-3539 or Emergency Dispatch at 303-428-8539.

In the event of flooding due to a blockage of the storm drainage system, residents may call between the hours of 7 am and 3:30 pm at 303-428-0422. In the event of a flooding emergency at any time, please call Federal Heights Emergency Dispatch at 303-428-8539.

For more information, see Drainage Utility Fee .