Wastewater Rates
Topic: Water Treatment
Monthly Minimum Bill
Sewer Usage Rate
Low Pressure Sewer Systems (LPSS)
Sewer Tap Fee
Industrial Pre-Treatment Surcharge Fees
Industrial Permit Fees
Monthly Minimum Bill
Water Meter Size | Inside City Rate | Outside City Rate |
5/8 in. meter | $25.00 | $25.00 |
3/4 in. meter | $32.50 | $32.50 |
1 in. meter | $48.75 | $48.75 |
1.5 in meter | $85.00 | $85.00 |
2.0 in. meter | $136.25 | $136.25 |
3.0 in. meter | $325.00 | $325.00 |
4.0 in. meter | $487.50 | $487.50 |
6.0 in. meter | $887.50 | $887.50 |
Sewer Usage Rate
Water Gallons Used | Inside City | Outside City |
0-2000 | Included in Minimum Bill | Included in Minimum Bill |
2,001-1,000,000 | $12.50/1000 Gal | $25.00/1000 Gal. |
1,000,001-10,000,000 | $10.00/1000 Gal. | $20.00/1000 Gal. |
>10,000,0001 | $5.00/1000 Gal. | $10.00/1000 Gal. |
Wells | |
Inside | $12.50 x 5,000 gal = $62.50 |
Outside | $25.00 x 5,000 gal = $125.00 |
In some areas of the Morristown Utilities Sewer System service area, low-pressure sewer systems (LPSS) have been installed due to the topography and other complications preventing the use of a typical gravity sewer system. LPSS requires each homeowner to have a grinder pump (GP) to force sewage into the sewer system for collection at the MU treatment facility. As with any mechanical device, these GPs require maintenance from time to time.
The State of Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) has mandated that all sewer utilities operating under a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit, such as MU, must control all components of a low-pressure sewer system. These components include the GP unit and associated apparatuses. This is TDEC’s way of ensuring that if there are problems, such as failed equipment leading to raw sewage flowing across yards, streets, and into streams, a “responsible party,” which is MUC, can take immediate action to correct the problem.
As a result of this new rule from TDEC, the MUC Board of Commissioners passed a new Low Pressure Sewer Use Policy on February 23, 2023. Beginning April 1st, 2023, MUC will charge all low-pressure sewer system customers a $10.00 per month maintenance fee for the operation and maintenance of the individual grinder pumps providing sewer service. In return, MUC will perform all repairs to the grinder pump and associated apparatus. However, all LPSS customers will continue to be responsible for the cost of major repairs, such as a pump replacement. MU will provide minor maintenance at no charge to the customer.
Low Pressure System Specs and Grinder
Low Pressure Sanitary Sewer Details
Low Pressure Sanitary Sewer System Policy
Sewer Tap Fee
Shall be based upon the water meter size.
Water Meter Size | Inside City Rate | Outside City Rate |
5/8 in. meter | $1,800 | $3,600 |
1 in. meter | $3,600 | $7,200 |
1-1 1/2 in meter | $10,000 | $20,000 |
2 in. meter | $15,000 | $30,000 |
3 in. meter | $25,000 | $50,000 |
4 in. meter | $40,000 | TBD |
5 in. meter | $50,000 | TBD |
Industrial Pre-Treatment Surcharge Fees
Turkey Creek WWTP | Lowland WWTP | |
BOD exceeding 250 mg/l | .27 per lb | .48 per lb |
TSS exceeding 250 mg/l | .097 per lb | .41 per lb |
FOG exceeding 75 mg/l | .097 per lb | .41 per lb |
Ammonia exceeding 45 mg/l | ——– | $2.27 per lb |
Septic Receiving Station Special Discharge (Class IV)
3 X Inside City Usage Rate: $37.50 per 1,000 gallons
Industrial Permit Fees
Annual Food Service Establishment (FSE) Discharge Permit Fee | $300.00 |
Annual Significant Industrial User Discharge Permit Fee (Class III) | $750.00 |
Annual Special Discharge Permit Fee (Class IV) | $750.00 |
Annual Industrial User Discharge Permit Fee | $150.00 |
Annual NSCUI Discharge Permit Fee Application | $150.00 |
Fee for Significant Industrial User Application Fee | $3,500.00 |
For Non Discharge User | $500.00 |