Espoo starts charging stormwater fees this autumn
The City of Espoo has decided to introduce a municipal stormwater fee. The first invoices will be sent to property owners during autumn 2026.
Stormwater refers to rainwater, meltwater or runoff water that flows from rooftops and other impermeable surfaces in built-up areas. The stormwater fee covers the costs of planning, constructing and maintaining the municipal stormwater system. The municipal stormwater fee is based on public law and does not require an agreement with the city.
Espoo’s stormwater fee is based on the stormwater fee schedule approved by the City Board in May 2026. The fee applies to properties located within the city’s stormwater system area, i.e. in the areas covered by detailed plans, excluding areas with a detailed shore plan. The amount depends on the use of the buildings located on the property and the size of the property. The fee is charged annually.
Revenue covers one third of the costs of the stormwater system
During autumn 2026, the City of Espoo will send out more than 22,000 stormwater invoices, generating approximately EUR 2 million in revenue. The fees are mostly small, ranging from EUR 30 to a maximum of EUR 5,000. The revenue is estimated to cover approximately one third of the annual costs of the City of Espoo’s stormwater system.
Going forward, there will be two stormwater-related fees in Espoo: the stormwater fee based on public law and charged by the city and the stormwater sewerage fee based on an agreement and charged by the Helsinki Region Environmental Services Authority (HSY). The municipal stormwater system includes, for example, stormwater management in public areas, stormwater detention solutions, infiltration basins, and ditches.