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MCES Customer Service - FAQ

What plant serves my community?

View our community services page for additional information.

How do I report a spill?

Call the Minnesota State Duty Officer - 651-649-5451 or 1-800-422-0798. You will find additional information on our spill reporting page.

How do I report an odor?

If you detect an odor, please call our 24-hour response line: 651-290-6757.

Common sewer and wastewater treatment odors are:

• Rotten eggs;
• Rotten or decayed cabbage;
• Pungent, putrid, unpleasant odor;
• Fishy, burnt and ammonia-like smells.

View our odor reporting page for additional information.

What shouldn't I put down my drain?

Chemicals such as:

• motor oil and auto fluids
• pesticides, fertilizers and lawn care products
• fertilizers
• bleach and disinfectants
• beauty products
• medicine
• paint, varnish, paint remover
• photographic chemicals

Plastic and paper trash such as:

• paper towels
• dental floss
• feminine hygiene products and applicators
• cat litter
• cigarettes
• plastics
• disposable diapers

How does MCES treat wastewater?

Wastewater from toilets, drains, washing machines, etc. comes to the treatment plant from a network of sewer pipes from homes and businesses. The stages of treatment are:

• Preliminary - removes large and heavy debris
• Primary - removes solids through sedimentation
• Secondary - removes pollutants by pumping air in the water that creates a supportive environment for microbes
• Final Sedimentation - removes the microbes that have settled and pumps them to dewatering
• Disinfection - adds chlorine to kill bacteria and then removes the chemical before it enters the river system.
  

What is MCES's role in water supply planning?

Under state law the Council reviews and comments on water supply plans prepared by local governments in the region. The Council is also responsible for maintaining a base of technical information and developing a water supply master plan for the region. The Council provides guidance and technical assistance on issues relating to water resources and addresses water supply problems. View additional information about water supply planning.

I have questions about SAC.

The Service Availability Charge (SAC) is a one-time fee imposed by MCES to communities for each new connection or increase in volume discharged to the metropolitan wastewater system. The SAC program in general is explained in detail on their web pages.

What is the history of wastewater treatment in the Twin Cities?

The Twin Cities' wastewater treatment history dates back over 100 years. View our brochure or request a paper copy.