Sanitary sewers play an important role in keeping our community and environment healthy. Keeping the sewer system healthy requires help from everyone.
Know the difference
A sanitary sewer system is a closed system of pipes and mechanisms that transport wastewater from homes and businesses to a wastewater treatment plant where the water is cleaned to a level that it can be safely returned to the environment.
Storm drains collect rain, also known as stormwater, and send it untreated to area creeks and rivers.
Sanitary sewers were not designed to carry stormwater. When stormwater infiltrates the sanitary sewer pipe, it surcharges the line forcing an overflow from a manhole. Though highly diluted, this wastewater flows untreated into the storm drains, eventually reaching area waters.
Property Owners Take Note
There is a public and a private section of the sanitary sewer line. The portion of the pipe that connects to a house or building is the private lateral. Maintaining the private lateral is the responsibility of the property owner. MAWSS maintains the public lateral and the sewer main.
If you observe or encounter a sewer related problem, call MAWSS’ 24hour Customer Care Team at 251 694-3165.
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MAWSS Park Forest Plaza
4725 Moffett Road
Mobile, AL 36618