Sanitary District of Michigan City

We are responsible for the collection, conveyance, and treatment of wastewater within our sanitary sewer service area, managing the drainage of stormwater within Michigan City, and the collection and disposal of residential refuse, garbage and trash. Our work protects the public health, supports community and economic growth, and protects water quality in Trail Creek and Lake Michigan.

In case of sewer emergency, call us first!

A Sewer Emergency can be a sewer backup, street or yard sinkhole/cave in, manhole overflow, or manhole cover issue. Call our 24/7 phone line first, day or night.

(219) 874-7799, Ext. #1
Minutes & Agendas

Access board meeting agendas and minutes to stay informed about district decisions and public updates.

Refuse Department

Find information about trash collection, yard waste, leaf pickup, schedules, and more.

Report An Issue

Submit non-emergency concerns about sanitary and stormwater so our team can respond accordingly.

Stormwater Regulations

Access the Michigan City Stormwater Ordinance & Stormwater Technical Standards.

Sanitary Permits

Access information on residential, business, and subdivision sanitary sewer permitting.

Keeping Michigan City Clean & Safe

We protect public health and the environment through wastewater, stormwater, and refuse services.

Our work helps keep neighborhoods clean, reduces flooding, and safeguards local waterways. We maintain the systems that move wastewater and stormwater throughout the city, ensuring reliable service every day.

Our team is committed to supporting a safe, clean, and well-served community. As a public utility, we support responsible waste practices and care for key community assets like Striebel Pond. We work closely with local and state partners to meet environmental standards and improve system performance. Above all, we focus on ensuring environmental compliance and public health.

Stay on Track with Refuse Services

Get accurate trash pickup schedules, recycling rules, and holiday changes in one place. You can also learn what items are accepted curbside, how leaf and compost services work, and when to place materials out for collection.

Parks, Recreation & Environmental Programs

Additional Facilities and Programs

Beyond its core responsibilities, the District also maintains a variety of ancillary services that support its main functions. These include the upkeep of drainage ditches, implementing a full industrial pretreatment program, and operating a full-service wastewater laboratory. These elements play a critical role in ensuring environmental compliance and public health.

Striebel Pond and Recreational Areas

The Sanitary District also operates and maintains Striebel Pond, a multi-functional flood control facility. This facility not only mitigates flooding but also offers family and dog-friendly outdoor recreational spaces. The paved outer track is a popular community feature, supporting activities such as walking, biking, and inline skating. Available amenities include picnic shelters within the pavilions and accessible restrooms, enhancing its appeal as a community hub.

Karwick Nature Park

Further enriching the community experience, the District manages a remarkable 23-acre parcel, known as Karwick Nature Park. Located at 700 S. Karwick Road, this park is intersected by the Trail Creek waterway. The western half of this parcel remains pristine due to its inaccessibility, bordered by the Norfolk-Western Railway, CSX Railway, Cheney Run Ditch, and Trail Creek. This seclusion has preserved it as a vital natural wildlife habitat.

The park features a public fishing spot on Trail Creek, along with walking trails, observation areas, and a pedestrian bridge, providing various outdoor activities. The ample free off-street parking enhances accessibility for community members wishing to explore and enjoy these natural surroundings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about our services and schedules.

To establish service it goes hand in hand with the Water Department. As our billing is handled through them, they can assist on setting up your pre-existing service. Please contact (219) 874-3228 Monday thru Friday 8:00am to 4:00pm.

Within our City Limits, you will need to apply for a lateral permit which is usually completed by your contractor. Questions? Please call (219) 874-7799

Flushable wipes are not flushable!  Although the packaging may say wipes are flushable, that isn’t always accurate. Wipes do not break down like toilet paper, causing havoc on your septic or sewer system.  When flushed down the toilet, wipes can cause major backups and clogs within the sewer lines. The toilet is not a trash can, so place wipes where they belong, in a real trash can.

Sounds from your plumbing system, including burping, hissing, and gurgling, happen because of air movement. The cause is usually a pressure imbalance caused by flowing water, which pushes air in front of it and leaves a vacuum behind. Vents in your system are supposed to prevent this, so hearing these sounds could mean something needs to be fixed.

A sewer lateral is a pipe that carries wastewater (indoor water coming from toilets, washing machines, sinks, showers, etc.) from homes or businesses to the mainline sewer. The mainline sewer is usually located under the street; it may also be located under an alley or in an easement on private property.

The property owner has the sole responsibility for clearing stoppages, inspecting, maintaining and repairing the sewer lateral to avoid negative impacts to the operation and maintenance of the City’s sewer system. It’s the City’s responsibility to maintain service from the property line to our main line.

The lateral from your home is privately owned and could be built from several different types of materials utilized by contractors over the years. The City’s cleaning equipment is quite aggressive and is designed for commercial use. Depending on the type of material used in a private lateral, the City’s equipment may damage the line.

You can contact us after hours or on weekends/holidays at (219) 874-7799 and they will contact the City’s on-call personnel.

City employees are not permitted to recommend a specific plumbing contractor. Helpful information on finding a reliable contractor is provided to residents by inquiring at City Hall to see if the contractor is registered with the City, licensed, bonded, and insured.

The City does not have service cleanouts nor service laterals in backyards. The property owner is responsible for any sewer lateral maintenance in backyards.

Most contractors will contact us directly, if not please call (219) 874-7799 at any time. The City will dispatch a crew to inspect the line and assess the lateral. If there are roots in the line, they will be cleared.

The City storm drains can become clogged with leaves and debris. Normally, it can be cleared up by the use of a rake. Clogs beyond that may require further clearing and can be called in to our dispatcher at (219) 874-7799.

Sewer gas is a natural byproduct of human waste breaking down in the sewer system. It contains a mix of gases, including hydrogen sulfide and methane, which can produce a strong and unpleasant odor. Many people describe it as similar to the smell of rotten eggs or spoiled food. Your home’s plumbing system is designed to prevent these odors from entering your living space. It does this through two key features:

Traps: U-shaped sections of pipe located under sinks, floor drains, and other fixtures. These hold a small amount of water that forms a seal to block gases from entering the home.

Vents: Pipes that allow sewer gas to safely escape through the roof and help maintain air pressure in the plumbing system.

There are only three things that should ever be flushed down your toilet: pee, poop, and toilet paper. Flushing anything besides the three P’s can clog pipes and jam pumps resulting in costly repairs. Never put any of these items down your toilet or drain:

– Unused drugs/medications
– Disposable diapers
– Fats, grease, oils
– Condoms
– Tampons and sanitary napkins
– “Flushable” wipes
– Paper towels
– Car fluids/chemicals
– Coffee grounds
– Eggshells
– Paint

Your sewer bill is based on your water usage amount. Using less water in your home will reduce your bill. Some examples of how to save water include taking shorter showers, turning off the water while brushing your teeth, and fixing running toilets and leaking faucets.

Our plant and offices are located at 1100 E 8th St, Michigan City, IN 46360. We love to give tours to schools, civic groups, and scout troops. Give us a call at (219) 874-7799 to inquire.

Smell something strange? We want to know about it. Call (219) 874-7799. For emergencies such as gas or smoke, dial 911.

Your bill is based on a Winter Monthly Average (WMA). The WMA is a standard for wastewater billing based on your water usage during the winter and is updated every year.

The reason why your bill is based on water usage during the winter is simple. Many households use more water in the spring, summer, and fall than in winter. And that makes sense. During the warmer months, water is often used outside the house on things like grass, gardens, or filling pools for kids to play in on hot days.

Water outside the house does not enter the sewer system, so you shouldn’t be charged for it.

The untreated (raw) wastewater flows by gravity through sewer lines (mains) from houses, commercial, and industrial sites throughout Michigan City to our plant. After being treated, a high-quality, clean effluent is discharged into Trail Creek which is located right behind our plant.

The manholes circular metal lid usually located in the middle (sometimes to the side) of the roadway are for access to the sanitary sewer pipe, and the property of the Sanitary District. Only authorized District personnel can remove the manhole. Unauthorized entry into manholes is extremely dangerous and strictly prohibited.

Please report a missing or damaged manhole cover to the District immediately by calling (219) 874-7799, 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Need Assistance or Have a Concern?

Browse our services, projects, and resources pages for quick answers. If you can’t find what you’re looking for or need to report an issue, please reach out and we’ll be glad to help.