Satsuma reports on Sanitary Sewer Overflow 03.24.26

March 24, 2026

Satsuma reports on Sanitary Sewer Overflow

MOBILE, Ala. — The Satsuma Water & Sewer Board responded to a Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO) on March 23. It occurred at a manhole located on Maple Avenue just west of 1st Street.

Satsuma officials report the overflow resulted from maintenance issues at the lift station located at 5484 3rd Street, which prevented the Park Street lift station from being discharged into the surcharged piping leading to that station. During pump replacement work, the high-level float was removed and not reinstalled because the technician was pulled away to other work.

In addition, the transducer cable was inadvertently disconnected when the control panel was closed. These conditions prevented proper level monitoring and alarm response, contributing to the overflow.

An estimated 6,000 gallons of overflow were absorbed by the ground. None reached a body of water.

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.