Watershed Protection and Restoration Fund

Established on June 18, 2013, the purpose of the Watershed Protection and Restoration Fund (WPRF) is to improve the water quality of streams and waterways and reduce impacts of stormwater runoff. A full description of the Program is in Chapter 275: Watershed and Restoration Program of the Charles County Code.

The WPRF is funded through the Stormwater Remediation Fee, which is a flat rate charged to all improved properties in Charles County, unless otherwise exempted.

The Fiscal Year 2024 rate is $146 per improved property. The fee is listed as “WPRF” on your property tax bill.

Stormwater Remediation Fee Credit

Properties with stormwater management practices are eligible for a fee credit of up to 50% reduction of the rate.

If you would like to receive a reduction in rate, check the qualifications below to see if your property qualifies and then apply using our Stormwater Remediation Fee Credit Application.

Credits to the fee will be shown as “WPRF CR” on your property tax bill.

Did you know...

Installing two rain barrels on your property is one of the ways you can become eligible for a fee reduction/credit. Charles County hosts two rain barrel workshops a year in partnership with the University of Maryland Extension Office. Visit our Rain Barrel workshop web page to find out more.

Fee Credit Qualifications for Residential Properties

For residential properties to qualify for the fee credit, they must meet one of the following criteria:

The subdivision and/or housing development or individual home was constructed after July 1, 2001, and meets the 2000 Maryland Stormwater Design Manual, Volumes I and II.

or

The subdivision and/or housing development, or individual home, was constructed prior to July 1, 2001 but the property includes the use of one or more of the following stormwater management treatments:

1) Two or more rain barrels, totaling 110 gallons or more;

2) A rain garden to capture stormwater runoff from at least 800 sq. ft. of impervious surface;

3) The installation of pervious pavement area of at least 800 sq. ft.;

4) Home Landscape is “Bay-Wise” certified;

5) Other stormwater management facilities that infiltrate or filter stormwater runoff.

Fee Credit Qualifications for Agricultural and Forested Properties

Fee Credit Qualifications for Non-Residential Properties

For non-residential properties to qualify for the fee credit, they must meet one of the following criteria:

The development or subdivision was constructed after July 1, 2001 and meets the 2000 Maryland Stormwater Design Manual Volumes I and II standards.

or

The development was constructed prior to July 1, 2001, but includes the use of stormwater management facilities which meet the 2000 Maryland Stormwater Design Manual Volumes I and II standards as verified by a professional engineer. A statement and description from a professional engineer is required with application.

Stormwater Remediation Fee Appeal/Hardship

If your property should be exempt from the fee, an appeal or hardship form should be completed as appropriate.

Hardship Exemption Criteria:

At least two of the following applicable criteria should be checked on the application and proof for the checked items should be attached.

The combined gross income of the property owners, as defined in the Tax-Property Article, Section 9-104, of the Annotated Code of Maryland, does not exceed the Poverty Guidelines updated periodically in the Federal Register by the United States Department of Health and Human Services under the authority of 42 U.S.C. Section 9902(2), as amended;
At least one of the property owners who resides at the property receives an Energy assistance subsidy.
At least one of the property owners who resides at the property receives Supplemental Security Income or Food Stamps.
At least one of the property owners who resides at the property receives Veterans or Social Security benefits under the Social Security Act, the Railroad Retirement Act, any Federal Act for members of the United States Armed Forces, or any Federal Retirement System.