MAWSS reports Sanitary Sewer Overflow found on private property 03.30.26

March 30, 2026

MAWSS reports Sanitary Sewer Overflow found on private property

MOBILE, Ala. — Mobile Area Water & Sewer System (MAWSS) discovered a third-party Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO) at 3717 Freemont Drive North in Mobile today. Although MAWSS is not responsible for this SSO as it was on private property, they did alert the Alabama Department of Environmental Management and the Mobile County Health Department.

MAWSS officials report a tree damaged a 4-inch lateral on the customer’s property. The wastewater got into a drainage ditch, but the customer agreed to clean up the overflow in the drainage ditch.

A SSO happens when untreated or partially treated sewage leaves the sanitary sewer system before reaching a wastewater treatment plant, such as from a manhole, broken pipe, pump station, or building cleanout. Sewage can contain bacteria, viruses, and parasites that cause diarrhea, vomiting, skin infections, and other illnesses.

Dr. Kevin Michaels, Health Officer for Mobile County, reminds residents to avoid contact with affected water, soil, and any obvious sewage, keep children and pets away from ditches, creeks, flooded areas, and standing water that may be contaminated, and not to swim, wade, or fish in posted areas or in water that looks or smells contaminated.

Most importantly if you have contact with possibly contaminated water or soil, wash skin and clothing thoroughly with soap and clean water as soon as possible.