Frequently Asked Questions

WPC fields questions from Huntsville's sewer customers every day.

Some of the more frequently asked questions (FAQs), and WPC's answers, are shown below.

Who do I call if I have an emergency sewer problem and it's after operating hours, the weekend, or a City observed holiday?

Call the Huntsville Police Department's non-emergency number
(256) 722-7100.
They will contact the proper personnel.

See the EMERGENCIES page of WPC's website for more information.

There seems to be a problem with my drain system.
What portion of the sewer am I responsible for, and what is the City's responsibility?

Maintenance of the sewer service line is the customer's responsibility from the house to the main sewer line.
If you have a problem in your service line that you cannot fix yourself, you should call a licensed plumber for assistance.

»  Click here for a list of some local plumbing companies.
(WPC provides this link as a customer convenience only, and does not endorse the work of any listed or non-listed plumbing contractor.)

If the plumber determines the problem is something that needs to be addressed by the City, he or she will contact WPC.

See the EMERGENCIES page of WPC's website for more information.

Raw sewage is running out of a sewer cleanout in my yard.
What's wrong?

There is a blockage in the sewer line somewhere downstream of the cleanout.  Contact a licensed plumber for assistance.

»  Click here for a list of some local plumbing companies.
(WPC provides this link as a customer convenience only, and does not endorse the work of any listed or non-listed plumbing contractor.)

See the EMERGENCIES page of WPC's website for more information.

How is my sewer bill calculated?

Sewer charges are based on the amount of water used, as determined by Huntsville Utilities' water meter.

For 2007, the single-family residential sewer rate is $3.82 per 1,000 gallons of metered drinking water.  For a complete rate schedule, click here.

To compare sewer rates in Huntsville with those in other Alabama cities, click here.

Why is my sewer bill higher than my water bill?

Click here for a complete explanation of the costs of handling drinking water and wastewater (sewage).

I think that my water meter was mis-read, causing my water and sewer bills to be incorrect.
Can I have my meter re-read?

Contact Huntsville Utilities at (256) 535-1200.

My water and sewer bills show more water usage than I can account for.
What can I do to cut down on my water usage?

Click here for ways to save on your water and sewer bills.

My water pipe had a leak, but has since been repaired.
Can I get an adjustment to the sewer portion of my utility bill?

Yes.
The sewer customer may request an adjustment to the sewer bill when it is verified that water from the leak was not returned to the sewer system.

The following procedures will be used to request an adjustment to the sewer bill:

-  Contact Huntsville Utilities at (256) 535-1200 for an adjustment to the water portion of your utility bill. Huntsville Utilities personnel make sewer adjustments in conjunction with water adjustments.
-  If Huntsville Utilities disallows the water credit, a credit to the sewer portion of the utility bill may be requested at Water Pollution Control.
-  The leak must be repaired and documented evidence of this repair furnished in writing to:

Water Pollution Control
P.O. Box 308
Huntsville. AL 35804

or fax to (256) 883-3682. 

To receive a sewer billing credit, the following rules apply:
-  Water from the leak did not enter the sewer system.  For example, water from a burst pipe may not have entered the sewer system.  However, water from a dripping faucet or a stuck toilet fill valve would have entered the sewer system.
-  The customer could not have detected the leak by employing reasonable care and supervision of their plumbing.
-  The leak was of such a size as to cause the consumption as shown of the bill in question.
-  The plumbing system is now free from leaks.
-  Failure to turn off a water hose or water faucet is not considered for credit to the customer's bill.
-  Leaks due to vandalism will be handled on a case-by-case basis and must be documented by the police department.
-  For underground, hidden, or catastrophic leaks, credits are extended to the two highest bills during the previous 12-month billing period.
-  Billing adjustments for leakage may be requested for up to 2 months during any calendar year.

I just filled my swimming pool.
Can I get an adjustment for sewer charges?

Yes.
A pool filling credit is allowed one time per year.
To apply for an adjustment for sewer charges related to filling a swimming pool, download and complete the Sewer Credit For Pool Filling Request Form.  Fill in the form completely and mail it to:

Water Pollution Control
P.O. Box 308
Huntsville. AL 35804
ATTN: Pool Credits

Can I have a separate meter installed for watering and filling my swimming pool?

Yes.
Irrigation/pool meters are available.
The meter cannot be used for anything discharged to the sanitary sewer system.
For more information, contact Huntsville Utilities.

Who do I contact about accounts payable, accounts receivable, purchase orders, or bid listings?

For questions about accounts payable or accounts receivable, visit the Finance Department's website.

For questions about purchase orders or bid listings, visit the Procurement Services Division's website.

I just ran over an uncovered manhole (or unseated manhole cover) in the road and damaged my car.
What do I need to do? 

You must file a Notice of Claim with the
City Clerk/Treasurer's Office.
You may obtain a Notice of Claim form from the Clerk/Treasurer's Office [(256) 427-5088]
or from the
City Attorney's Office [(256) 427-5026].
A decision will be made on your claim in four to six weeks.

Can I pour antifreeze or used oil down the drain?

No.
Antifreeze, oils, and other substances can be properly disposed of in several ways.
-  You may put used oil out in a clear plastic container in your blue recycle bin.
-  Several auto repair shops accept these materials.
-  The Solid Waste Disposal Authority [(256) 427-5750] accepts these materials along with other household hazardous waste at its facility on Leeman Ferry Road.  They accept these materials the first Saturday of every month from 9:00 a.m. until Noon.

Who should I contact to report illegal dumping of antifreeze or other chemicals into the sanitary sewer system?

Contact WPC at (256) 883-3719.

If the substances are being dumped onto the ground instead of into the sewer system, contact the
Natural Resources Department at (256) 427-5750.

What procedures do I need to follow to dispose of sewage at your plant?

We accept sewage from motor homes and septic tanks.
Call (256) 883-3719 for locations, procedures, and hours of acceptance.

See the Industrial Pretreatment page for additional information.

I need to connect my home to an existing sewer line.
Who should I contact?

Contact the City of Huntsville's Engineering Department at (256) 427-5300.

Water, wastewater... what's the difference?

Click this link for an article on the BIG differences between water and wastewater.