Frequently Asked Questions

I have a Septic tank in my backyard. Why do I Pay a sewer bill?

The tank is the first part of the sewer system. Following the tank is a series of collection pipes, a treatment system that serves the entire subdivision and a clean water dispersal system.

Why do I pay the same amount for sewer if my water usage varies?

The monthly residential sewer fee is a fixed amount which is set by the Mississippi Public Service Commission. Most of the costs associated with operating the systems are fixed costs that do not vary with water usage to a significant degree.

Who sets the monthly rate that I pay for sewer?

The monthly residential sewer fee is set by the Mississippi Public Service Commission.

How does this sewer system work?

The interceptor tank (septic tank) near the home separates solids from liquids and provides primary treatment. The liquid in the tank is piped to a treatment system which serves the entire subdivision. The treatment system cleans the liquid to separate out clean water. The clean water is returned to the soil using a drip irrigation system usually in a large field.

I moved from a city where sewer bills were the same as my water, why is this costing more?

 The amount of the sewer bill is not tied to water usage. It is a fixed amount based on the costs of operating the utility and providing the service. Unlike cities, no government grants are provided to these systems. The non-subsidized costs of operating the system is usually more than cities charge.

Do I have to pay to get my septic tank pumped out?

No. The tank pumping varies but typically it is needed every 5 to 7 years. Mississippi Wastewater pays the cost of tank pumping.

Is it o.k. to have a garbage disposal in my kitchen sink?

It is o.k. to have a garbage disposal in the kitchen sink. However, the list of do’s and don’ts should be observed in determining what items can put down the garbage disposal.

Do I have leech field lines in my back yard?

No. The effluent water from the tank is piped to the treatment system for the entire subdivision.

Do I need to put additives in the system for the septic tank?

No. Additives are not needed.

If I want to install a swimming pool in my yard, who will locate the sewer lines?

Mississippi Wastewater will locate the sewer lines on your property. Whenever excavation is planned, it is always best to notify Mississippi One-Call. (1-800-227-6477, ms1call.org) They will notify all utilities to mark their lines.

Is it o.k. to run my lawn mower over the green lid?

The top of the lid should be even with the ground level. If that is the case it is safe to mow over the lid with typical residential mowing equipment. Heavy tractors with wheel load over 1000 pounds should not mow over the lid.

I have a gray box on the side of my house that has a red lens cover on the front what does it do?

The grey box is the electrical control unit for a STEP system which uses a pump. The red lens cover on the front covers the alarm light. If that light is on it indicates a high water condition in the tank. Call the utility for maintenance if that occurs.

The riser and green lid are too high to mow over with my lawn mower. What do I do?

If the green lid in the yard is too high to mow over safely, Mississippi Wastewater Maintenance should be called to get it adjusted.

My first floor toilet seems to be flushing slowly, is it a plumbing problem in my house or is something wrong with the septic tank?

Plumbing codes require that a clean out access be provided where the sewer line leaves your home toward the interceptor tank (septic tank). Remove the plug at the top of the clean out access (white plastic pipe plug). If no water comes out of the pipe the problem is with the plumbing in your house. You should get a plumber to correct the problem. If water comes out, the problem is with the interceptor tank and utility maintenance should be called.

I did not get a bill this month, what do I do?

The vast majority of our utility customers receive a bill that is fixed each month. If you are a fixed monthly fee customer it is safe to pay the same amount as you have been paying. However, it is important to notify the utility that a bill was not received.

I want to pay my bill by direct deposit. Can your company do that?

Yes! Go to the ACH Direct Deposit Online Form and follow the directions to get set up.

What do I do if the alarm sounds on my panel box on the house?

Call us at 877-669-0786 to set up a maintenance call.

Is there an odor associated with the tank in my yard?

 The sewer system is sealed. Under normal conditions there should not be an odor from any of the sewer system components on the lot. The sewer piping leading out of the home to the interceptor tank vent any system gases through the vent pipes that go through the roof of the home.