Wastewater Services

The Environmental Services Wastewater Management Division is made up of the sanitary sewer collection system, wastewater treatment plants and the industrial pretreatment and Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) programs. These programs help to protect our water quality, safeguard public health, support a healthy community and promote environmental and economic status.

SEWER RATES: What you pay and why


Springfield’s sanitary sewer system is supported by the Sewer Enterprise Fund, which is primarily funded through sewer use fees. Revenue collected from sewer fee ratepayers is only used to fund improvements and maintenance to the wastewater system and to meet Clean Water Act requirements. The funds collected represent the cost of longterm sewer utility operation.

Both residential and nonresidential customers are charged a flat fee and an additional fee for each 100 Cubic Feet (CCF) of water used. The volume charge is based on their CU water usage during the first three months of the year. Many industrial customers pay additional fees related to the specific types of waste that they send down the drain.

Based on guidance from the Citizens’ Wastewater Improvement Task Force, each component of the sewer rate is based on the actual cost of service to convey or treat certain types of wastewater. Sewer rates impact different types of users (residential, non-residential, industrial) depending on how that type of customer uses the sewer system.

Effective Date
Monthly Customer Charge
Volume Charge Per CCF (748 gals.)
BOD5 Charge Per Pound
(Industrial Users)		TSS Charge Per Pound
(Industrial Users)
July 1, 2022$23.34$2.71$0.357$0.151
July 1, 2023$24.04$2.79$0.368$0.156
July 1, 2024$24.76$2.88$0.379$0.160
July 1, 2025$25.50$2.96$0.390$0.165


The rates above (in gray) were approved by City Council in January of 2020.

The rates above (in blue) were approved by City Council in February of 2023.

2021 Sewer Benchmarking study of sanitary sewer rates


Springfield sewer rates are consistently at or below averages of similar cities within Missouri and the Midwest, according to a recently conducted benchmark survey of wastewater charges of communities within the state of Missouri and a broader Midwest region. Results of the survey indicate that:

  • Springfield’s monthly residential cost is 18% less than average cities in Missouri and 14% less than average Midwest cities.
  • Springfield’s monthly commercial cost is 41% less than average cities in Missouri and 43% less than average Midwest cities.
  • Springfield’s monthly industrial cost is 26% less than average cities in Missouri and 13% less than average Midwest cities.

WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANTS:  You flush it, we clean it


The City of Springfield is home to two nationally recognized and award winning treatment facilities. Located on the Northwest and Southwest corners of the City, these plants treat a combined daily average of nearly 50 million gallons of wastewater and clean the water we dirty before returning it back into the Little Sac River and Wilson's Creek.

Northwest Wastewater Treatment Plant Link
Southwest Wastewater Treatment Plan

JUST TRASH IT: Help protect our sewers!


One of the most important things you can do to help protect your plumbing system at home, while also helping avoid clogs in the City's sewer mains, is to be mindful of what you are flushing down toilets and putting down the drains. Learn more about how your habits are impacting Springfield's sewer system.


JustTrashIt

Keep F.O.G. out of our sewers!  FATS, OILS & GREASE


It's an icky job, but keeping our City's wastewater collection system flowing smoothly, without interference, is immensely important. The FOG Management Plan was enacted in order to inspect, enforce, and identify impairments in the system related to commercial facilities and Food Service Establishments (FSEs). Learn about compliance and best practices for FSEs.

Developers Permits & Fees


Working on public sewer lines or expanding usage through new developments require permits and, in some cases, accompanying fees. Our wastewater collection system is an intricate system and applications are required for all developers in need of a permit.

Learn more about City Code and Fees.

PSRP - Citizen

PRIVATE SEWER REPAIR PROGRAM:  Partnering with You

This program helps to address and eliminate sanitary sewer overflows and backups on private properties. Often, incorrectly connected sump pumps, drains and downspouts are the cause. By partnering with the community, we are able to evaluate and repair issues in order to minimize and reduce future concerns.
Find out if your property is eligible for a no-cost evaluation.