Resources
Find public documents, permits, and reference materials for wastewater and stormwater services. These resources are available to support transparency, compliance, and self-service access.
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.
General Information
Sewer Emergency Information
How Flushing Works
Maintaining Your Sewer Lateral – Do’s & Don’ts
Understanding Fats, Oils & Grease
What Not to Flush Graphic
Think Before You Flush: Flushable Wipes
Plant Tour Handout
Michigan City’s SL-RAT Technology in Action
Rate Adjustment Information
2026 Sanitary Sewer Rate Adjustment
Financial State of the District Handout
Major Projects Map
2-Year Work Plan
Rate Adjustment Ordinance 4809
Rate Plan Executive Summary
Special Meeting & Public Hearing
City Council Joint Workshop #1
City Council Joint Workshop #2
City Council Joint Workshop #3
Looking for Agendas & Minutes?
Find official Sanitary District Board meeting agendas, minutes, and meeting schedules in one place. This information is maintained in accordance with public meeting requirements and is updated regularly.
Permits & Applications
Lateral & Lateral Tap Application
Sewer & Lift Station Application
Industrial Water & Sewer Use Survey
Industrial Pretreatment Permit Application
Stormwater Regulations & Resources
MS4 Public Education Fact Sheet
Stormwater Management Ordinance No. 4770
Stormwater Technical Standards Manual
Stormwater Management Permit Application Process
Stormwater Permit Application Checklist
Trail Creek Watershed Brochure
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.
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
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.
