The sewage treatment plant is an extended aeration treatment system located in the southwesterly corner of the city. Sewage is collected and transported to the plant through a system of gravity flow and pressure lines. Originally, the treatment plant discharged into Garrison Lake and later to an effluent drainfield located in the dunes lying between the lake and ocean. The drainfield was destroyed by coastal erosion in 1998 and was subsequently replaced by a 2,250-foot ocean outfall located offshore from the outlet to Garrison Lake. The sewage treatment plant was also upgraded along with the construction of the outfall to include ultraviolet disinfection equipment, a new clarifier, and new pumping equipment and control systems.

In addition, the City has continued to make improvements to the collection piping to remove infiltration and inflow of storm water and thus reduce peak flows through the treatment plant.

At present, the wastewater collection and treatment system is adequate to handle the city’s needs, though some of the lift stations require upgrading soon.

Sewer Rates

Sewer usage is charged based on metered water usage. Water meters are read every month and customers are billed for both water and sewer on the same bill.