11/18/2025
Our history dates back to the 1890s when our collection pipes were first put into place. Large brick pipes were constructed to carry both stormwater and sanitary sewage from downtown directly to the river.
In the 1950s, As Chattanooga grew, more sewers were constructed and pipes made of vitrified clay and later concrete were put into place diverting dry weather sewage away from the river and carrying it to Moccasin Bend, which later became the wastewater treatment plant.
After our plant was constructed in 1961, it underwent continuous improvements with large pipes being made of concrete and smaller pipes of plastic. Concrete manholes replaced the original brick structures. More pump stations were constructed to pump flows over hills or where sewage pipes would be too deep.
In the 1980s, our sewer system expanded to meet the needs of our growing communities. Since the 1990s, we've been focused on compliance with federal regulations that require cities with " sewers to manage the combined flow in approved ways.
Today, we have eight combined sewer overflow (CSO) facilities to capture flow and provide holding areas and primary treatment.
We're honored to work with many customers including Hixson Utility District, City of Collegedale - Government, City of East Ridge - Government, Rossville Georgia, Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia, Walker County, GA Government, Catoosa County Government, Eastside Utility District, Town of Signal Mountain, City of Lookout Mountain, GA, Town of Lookout Mountain, TN, City of Red Bank TN and the Hamilton County WWTA in meeting the needs of those we serve.
We believe that to know where you're going, you need to see where you've been. We've had a long history and working with our partners, our future looks healthy and bright for present and future generations!
