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Wastewater Management
The Indianapolis Department of Public Works (DPW) is responsible for the collection and treatment of wastewater within the Indianapolis/Marion County boundaries. In 1994 Indianapolis became the first major U.S. city to transition its wastewater treatment facilities to contract operations when DPW entered into a contract with United Water to operate and maintain the City's two advanced wastewater treatment (AWT) facilities generally located adjacent to the White River on the south side of the City. In 1996, a second contract put the wastewater and storm water collection systems, and Eagle Creek Flood Control Dam under a similar public ownership-private operation agreement. DPW personnel oversee these contracts and monitor the day to day performance of United Water.
Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plants
DPW owns two AWT facilities. The Belmont AWT Plant was originally placed into service in 1924 as a primary clarification plant. Numerous upgrades to add secondary and tertiary treatments now allow an average flow capacity of 120 million gallons per day, with peak flows up to 300 million gallons per day.
The Southport AWT Plant was first placed in service in 1966 to meet the needs of a growing city. Originally designed as a secondary treatment plant, upgrades in the 1970's and 1980's added advanced treatment facilities, allowing increased average daily flows of 125 million gallons per day, and peak flows of 180 million gallons per day.
Together, the AWT's treat over 70 billion gallons of wastewater each year.
Collection System
The wastewater collection system consists of nearly 3,000 miles of sewer lines ranging from 8" to 120" in diameter, almost 110,000 manholes, approximately 50,000 basin/inlet structures, and more than 250 wastewater lift stations. A good portion of this system is a combined sewer system, built in the early 1900's, and designed to carry both storm water and sanitary waste from residences and businesses. The combined sewer area is located primarily in Center Township, and covers approximately 55.5 square miles. The rest of the service area contains separate sanitary and storm sewers, and covers approximately 222 square miles.
Private Septic Systems
There are an estimated 30,000 properties in Marion County that are served by private septic systems. Through the Barrett Law Program, the City is gradually converting these neighborhoods to sanitary sewers.
Other Communities
In addition to its Indianapolis/Marion County customers, DPW also has interjurisdictional agreements for wastewater treatment and disposal with the following communities:
- Ben Davis Conservancy District
- Boone County Utilities
- City of Beech Grove
- City of Greenwood
- City of Lawrence
- Hamilton Southeastern Utilities, Inc.
- Tri-County Conservancy District
Wastewater from these communities is routed into the Indianapolis wastewater collection system, and is treated at one of the AWT plants.
For more information, or to report a problem with the wastewater collection system, please contact the Mayor's Action Center online, or call (317) 327-4MAC for assistance.
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