Roswell is considering a program that would require homeowners and businesses to pay a monthly fee to treat and manage stormwater runoff.

The city has scheduled several public meetings to discuss the program and a proposed fee schedule. The next sessions are Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Chattahoochee Nature Center and Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the Roswell Adult Recreation Center.

Stormwater runoff is rainwater that runs off rooftops, driveways, sidewalks and other impervious surfaces and into drainage systems, creeks or rivers. The city is required by federal law to manage stormwater runoff.

Many of the city's stormwater pipes are 20 to 30 years old and need to be replaced, according to city officials.

City taxes provide about $1.7 million a year for the program. Another $1.5 million is required, city officials say, to meet treatment needs.

The proposed stormwater utility fee would be based on the square footage of impervious materials on each business or residential property. The schedule is as follows:

• The smallest fee — $2.57 a month — would be paid by homeowners whose properties have up to 3,400 square-feet of impervious surface, such as rooftops, driveways and backyard patios.

• Most homes in Roswell have between 3,401 and 4,950 square-feet of impervious surfaces. These homeowners would pay $3.95 a month in utility fees.

• Homes with 4,951 to 10,000 square feet of impervious surfaces would pay $5.92 a month.

• Owners of the largest homes — with more than 10,000 square feet of impervious surfaces — and all Roswell businesses would pay $3.95 for every 4,100 square-feet of impervious surface.

Information is available on the city's Web site at www.roswellgov.com. The City Council is expected to vote on a program later this summer.