Wastewater Services

The Sewer Department is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the wastewater collection and reclamation systems. Wastewater generated by customers throughout the City flows through gravity and forced mains and lift stations where it is pumped to the Reclamation Center. Reclaimed water is discharged into Allen's Creek. Activities in this department include emergency response to stoppages, routine cleaning and inspection of mains, pump and valve maintenance, laboratory analysis, and 24/7 operations of the lift stations and Reclamation Center.

Sewer Rates

Sanitary sewer charges for residential and commercial accounts are calculated based upon water consumed as registered by the water meter serving each consumer.

To qualify for sewer averaging, an account with sewer service must have had metered water service available throughout all four months of the previous November through February time period (the "designated winter months"). Metered water consumption for only the current occupant at a service address will be considered in the calculation of the average. The calculation will not include metered water consumption for any former occupants at the same service address.

Sewer averaging will be recalculated at the commencement of each fiscal year, starting with the billing for October consumption taking place on or about November 25 and continuing throughout the remainder of the fiscal year. An average of each qualifying account's water consumption for the four designated winter months will be calculated and billed in accordance with the applicable sewer rate table currently in effect. If an account with metered water service does not have water consumption for any of the designated winter months, those months will be excluded from the averaging calculation. Once the average has been calculated, it will be used as a basis for billing the account each month for the entire fiscal year until a new average has been established.

An account with metered water service that does not qualify for sewer averaging will be billed for sewer service based on a default average water consumption of 5,000 gallons per month, billed in accordance with the applicable sewer rate table currently in effect. The account will continue to be billed in this manner until such a time when an average can be established.

Sewer rates can be found on the Master Fee Schedule.

Sewer Stoppages
If you have sewer stoppage and suspect it is a city problem please call us first so that we may inspect the sewer system before you call a plumber. If the problem is a city issue, we will dispatch a crew immediately to repair the line. If the problem is the responsibility of the homeowner, you will be notified and advised of what repairs need to be made either by the homeowner or a certified plumber. If a homeowner calls a plumber first and it turns out to be a city problem, the city will not be responsible for the plumbing bill.

Wise use of the sewer system and performance of simple preventative maintenance will help safeguard the system and reduce costs for everyone.

Preventing Stoppages
There are several ways to prevent stoppages in our sewer system. Visit "How to Properly Dispose of Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG)" under the resources section of this page for additional information.

Avoid release of hair into drains of showers, bath tubs, and wash basins to prevent clogs in the traps and drains.
Clean vents leading from toilets, located on the roof annually. It is identifiable by a two-inch pipe on the roof. Failure to clean vents may result in stoppages, causing dangerous sewer line gases to back up into your home.
Scrape grease and food residue from dishes and pots into the garbage before placing into your dishwasher or sink. This will reduce grease buildup in the sewer lines.
Unclog drains naturally by pouring 1/4 cup of baking soda down the drain followed by 1/2 cup of white vinegar. Follow a few minutes later with boiling water. Pour boiling water down the drains weekly to prevent clogs.
Empty washing machine lint into the garbage to avoid the discharge of lint into the sewer line.
Do not pour household grease into sinks, garbage disposals or other drains. This is one of the major contributors to sewer stoppages.
Do not flush diapers, sanitary napkins, newspaper, soiled rags, tissues, or paper towels down toilets.