Sanitary Sewer Rates

For single and two-family homes, the sewer charge for the first quarterly billing of the year is based on the water consumption prorated to a 91-day standard.  Sewer charges for each of the last three quarters are based on the prorated water consumption, except they will not exceed the figure used in the first quarter.  For all other properties, the sewer charge is based on the actual water consumption for each billing period.

The City owns and maintains approximately 804 miles of sanitary sewer and 450 miles of storm sewer, located in public streets, alleys, or easements. Most of the sanitary sewer system was constructed during the period 1887 to 1958.     

Over 74,000 sanitary sewer service laterals (the section of sewer pipe that runs from the house to the sewer main) are connected to the City's public sanitary sewer system. There are over 1,000 miles of private sanitary sewer service in the city. Most of the sewer laterals are clay tile pipe or vitrified clay pipe (as originally constructed) and are over seventy years old. Property owners are responsible for cleaning, inspecting and repairing their sewer service lateral from the house to the sewer main connection located in the public street or easement.  This rate does not cover those repairs.

If you have encountered a problem with your sanitary sewer service (e.g. sewer backup), your first call should be to Sewer Maintenance at 651-266-9850. All other calls can be directed to our Service Desk at 651-266-6234.

To apply for sewer credits, a private meter must be installed at the property. The property owner is responsible for the costs of furnishing, installing, and maintaining the private meter. The Sewer Utility will create a unique sewer credit application form for each property based on specific details about the types and number of private meters installed. Depending on the frequency and timing of water meter readings by the Water Utility, the property owner must read the private meter, complete the sewer credit application, and submit it along with a copy of the water bill to PW-SewerCredit@ci.stpaul.mn.us.

If metering is deemed impractical, alternative flow measurement methods may be used, subject to the discretion and approval of the Public Works Department.

Sewer credits are available for commercial properties and large residential complexes but are typically not offered to single- or two-family homes.

If you have additional questions, you may contact Phi Pham of the Sewer Utility at (651) 266-9825 or PW-sewerCredit@ci.stpaul.mn.us