Our Aging Infrastructure

The time is now to modernize our water and waste water infrastructure.

We are addressing problems before they ever show up down the road.
It's old and worn out. And it's causing major problems like sanitary sewer overflows, service outages, and business disruptions.

MAWSS is responsibly preparing our sewers’ infrastructure to prevent these consequences from disrupting Mobile’s day-to-day stability. By addressing these problems properly and directly, MAWSS is investing in Mobile through job creation and sustainable growth.

Safer water and reliable sewer service are cornerstones of public health. Without effective delivery of water and wastewater treatment, Mobile wouldn’t function very well. Watch the video to see how MAWSS is getting ahead of problems by looking out for what’s below. Just as you watch your blood pressure and heart rate to avoid heart complications, so must MAWSS perform replacements on older sections of Mobile’s sewer systems to prevent breaks or contamination. It’s not just about fixing old pipes. It’s about keeping a precious resource flowing.

Mobile has thrived as a port city. Water is part of who we are and how we enjoy ourselves. To protect our water supply and safeguard public health, we need to address necessary changes that will modernize our water systems. Waiting will only create more problems down the road like unsafe drinking water, loss of service for wide areas of town and the disruption of normal business for our city. MAWSS isn’t waiting for something to go wrong to do something about it. We’re nipping these complications in the bud through system-wide repairs and replacements. It’s a big undertaking, but the future is worth the time and effort.

You don’t realize how valuable water is until it’s gone. Just imagine life without:

Did you know there are two types of sewer systems in Mobile?

Sanitary Sewers

MAWSS’ sanitary sewer system collects wastewater from homes and businesses and transports it in a closed system to a wastewater treatment plant where it is cleaned, treated and returned safely to the environment.

Storm Sewers

The City of Mobile’s storm drain system collects rainwater, usually on the side of the street, and transports it—untreated—to streams, rivers and eventually Mobile Bay.

The two shouldn’t mix. That’s why it’s so important to make needed repairs to our aging infrastructure. The sanitary sewer system is designed to carry wastewater only. During heavy rains, stormwater infiltrates the sewer system, causing it to exceed capacity. This results in overflows. Although diluted, the wastewater then runs back into storm drains and flows untreated into creeks or streams.