The mission of the Department of Sewerage is to serve the citizens of Jefferson Parish by providing effective conveyance, treatment and disposal of wastewater while protecting public health and the environment.

Four major functions are required to fulfill those goals:

1. Treatment of Wastewater
2. Pumping of untreated sewage
3. Collection of untreated sewage in gravity line system
4. Pumping of the treated water to the Mississippi River for discharge

If there is a complaint or question about work being done by the Department of Sewerage, call our complaint line.

(If there is a complaint dealing with parish workers be sure to note the vehicle number before calling the complaint line)

Facilities Quick Overview

• Five Treatment Plants - which treat 57,000,000 gallons of wastewater daily
• Over 500 Lift Stations which each have from 2-7 pumps
• Over 1300 miles of gravity pipe and about 100 miles of force main pipe
• Estimated number of manholes 21,120

Most Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Where does Sewerage Department responsibility begin?
2. When should I call a plumber?
3. How long should I have to wait when I call in a complaint?
4. Does the Department of Sewerage replace sidewalk?
5. What is Sewerage Wastewater and what is Storm Wastewater?
6. Why is my Sewerage usage charge, on my bill, higher than usual?

1. Where does Sewerage Department responsibility begin?

The Parish is responsible for service beginning at the 6" clean out which is usually located near the sidewalk area on the house side.

2. When should I call a plumber?

Rule of thumb – The Parish is only responsible when piping is on public property. All residents should know the location of their 6 inch sewer cleanout, and have it exposed. The cleanout is usually near the sidewalk. If you are having problems with sewerage draining you should open the 6 inch cleanout cover. If there is no sewer water in the cleanout, there is most likely a blockage or restriction on the private property side of the sewer line. In those cases, a plumber should be called. If sewer water can be seen in the cleanout, or if it overflows with wastewater, the resident should call one of the Department of Sewerage Complaint Lines.

3. How long should I have to wait when I call in a complaint?

Crews are available from 6 a.m. till 11:00 p.m. Actual response time depends on the number of calls received at that particular time and the distance between the location of the crew and the complaint. During rainy weather, the call volume is higher.

4. Does the Department of Sewerage replace sidewalk?

The Department of Sewerage will only replace sidewalk when a sewer repair is made and only the portion of sidewalk that was removed.

5. What is Sewerage Wastewater and what is Storm Wastewater?

The two classifications of Sewerage Wastewater are:

1. Residential - water from sinks, showers, bathtubs, toilets, and washing machines.
2. Industrial - water from food products and equipment maintenance.

Storm Wastewater - is mostly rainfall runoff. This wastewater also contains contaminants which can be harmful.

6. Why is my Sewerage usage charge, on my bill, higher than usual?

The Sewerage usage charge is based on your water consumption. When your water consumption increases, your Sewerage usage charge will increase.