FAQs
What phone number do I call if my services are interrupted?
Call 601-859-2474
Is my meter read every month?
Yes, it is.
Yes, it is.
When can I get my deposit back?
When the account is closed and the final bill is paid.
When the account is closed and the final bill is paid.
How do I disconnect service?
To discontinue your service, please come by the Business Office (Peace Street) or fax a letter to 601-855-5477. Please include the address to disconnect, the date of disconnection, a contact phone number, your email address and your new mailing address.
To discontinue your service, please come by the Business Office (Peace Street) or fax a letter to 601-855-5477. Please include the address to disconnect, the date of disconnection, a contact phone number, your email address and your new mailing address.
How much is my deposit?
For a homeowner it is $200, rental is $300. Mobile home park is $375 depending upon which services you get. For businesses both commercial and industrial, it is based on two months of the highest usage.
For a homeowner it is $200, rental is $300. Mobile home park is $375 depending upon which services you get. For businesses both commercial and industrial, it is based on two months of the highest usage.
How is my sewer charge calculated?
Sewer charges are based on water usage.
Sewer charges are based on water usage.
What method of payments do we accept?
We accept check, money order, credit card and cash. The credit cards are MasterCard, Visa, and Discover.
We accept check, money order, credit card and cash. The credit cards are MasterCard, Visa, and Discover.
Do you offer budget billing?
Yes, if you are a homeowner, have lived at the address for 36 months and have a good payment history.
Yes, if you are a homeowner, have lived at the address for 36 months and have a good payment history.
Why are the water and sewer rates going up?
The rate increase is part of CMU’s long-term strategy to be fiscally stable while taking a more proactive approach to maintaining and improving our water and sewer systems. For over 10 years, Canton Municipal Utilities (CMU)’s rates have not kept up with the true cost of providing service. During that time, labor, energy, materials, and other operating costs have steadily increased.
In 2022, CMU hired an independent consultant to conduct a detailed rate study. The study confirmed that a rate increase is necessary to ensure CMU can continue to deliver safe, reliable service and maintain essential infrastructure.
The rate increase is part of CMU’s long-term strategy to be fiscally stable while taking a more proactive approach to maintaining and improving our water and sewer systems. For over 10 years, Canton Municipal Utilities (CMU)’s rates have not kept up with the true cost of providing service. During that time, labor, energy, materials, and other operating costs have steadily increased.
In 2022, CMU hired an independent consultant to conduct a detailed rate study. The study confirmed that a rate increase is necessary to ensure CMU can continue to deliver safe, reliable service and maintain essential infrastructure.
Is the new data center the reason for the rate increase?
No. The recent data center project is not the reason for CMU’s rate increase. The need for higher water and sewer rates has been building for more than a decade because the rates have not kept pace with the actual cost of providing service. Rising costs for labor, energy, and materials, along with aging infrastructure, made this adjustment necessary.
The data center is being served under a separate service agreement that requires the data center to cover the cost of its own water and sewer upgrades. Those costs are not passed on to existing customers.
No. The recent data center project is not the reason for CMU’s rate increase. The need for higher water and sewer rates has been building for more than a decade because the rates have not kept pace with the actual cost of providing service. Rising costs for labor, energy, and materials, along with aging infrastructure, made this adjustment necessary.
The data center is being served under a separate service agreement that requires the data center to cover the cost of its own water and sewer upgrades. Those costs are not passed on to existing customers.
Is CMU audited on a regular basis?
Yes. CMU is audited annually by an independent third-party auditor to ensure transparency, accountability, and compliance with financial standards.
Yes. CMU is audited annually by an independent third-party auditor to ensure transparency, accountability, and compliance with financial standards.
Why do we pay for water and sewer?
Water and sewer bills fund the essential services that deliver clean water to your home and safely remove and treat wastewater. These services require around-the-clock operation, regular maintenance, and ongoing investment.
CMU’s water system includes 323 miles of water lines, 14 storage tanks, 15 water supply wells, and 2 water treatment plants. The sewer system includes 46 miles of sewer lines and 50 lift stations, and a wastewater treatment facility.
Every dollar collected from water and sewer bills goes directly toward operating, maintaining, and improving this vital infrastructure to ensure reliable service today and into the future.
Water and sewer bills fund the essential services that deliver clean water to your home and safely remove and treat wastewater. These services require around-the-clock operation, regular maintenance, and ongoing investment.
CMU’s water system includes 323 miles of water lines, 14 storage tanks, 15 water supply wells, and 2 water treatment plants. The sewer system includes 46 miles of sewer lines and 50 lift stations, and a wastewater treatment facility.
Every dollar collected from water and sewer bills goes directly toward operating, maintaining, and improving this vital infrastructure to ensure reliable service today and into the future.
How am I charged for water and sewer?
Each customer has a water meter that is read monthly. The meter measures usage in ccf (centum cubic feet), with one ccf equal to 748 gallons. Customers are billed a fixed base charge for water and sewer service based on the size of their meter. In addition to the base charge, a usage charge is applied for each ccf of water used.
Each customer has a water meter that is read monthly. The meter measures usage in ccf (centum cubic feet), with one ccf equal to 748 gallons. Customers are billed a fixed base charge for water and sewer service based on the size of their meter. In addition to the base charge, a usage charge is applied for each ccf of water used.
What are the New Rates?
For standard residential customer inside the city limits:
Base Charges
For standard residential customer outside the city limits:
Base Charges
Actual increases will vary depending on individual usage. Some customers discharge to the Madison County Wastewater Authority (MCWA). For those customers, an additional charge of $3.57 per ccf will be added.
For standard residential customer inside the city limits:
Base Charges
- Water: $5.00 per month
- Sewer: $5.40 per month
- Water: $3.50 per ccf
- Sewer: $3.45 per ccf
For standard residential customer outside the city limits:
Base Charges
- Water: $6.25 per month
- Sewer: $6.75 per month
- Water: $3.85 per ccf
- Sewer: $3.80 per ccf
Actual increases will vary depending on individual usage. Some customers discharge to the Madison County Wastewater Authority (MCWA). For those customers, an additional charge of $3.57 per ccf will be added.
What is MCWA and why is there a separate rate?
The Madison County Wastewater Authority (MCWA) is a regional agency responsible for treating wastewater for much of Madison County. MCWA is governed by a Board consisting of Madison County, the City of Madison, Bear Creek Water Association, Pearl River Valley Water Supply District, West Madison Utility District, Lake Lorman Utility District, and CMU. Approximately 40% of CMU’s sewer customers discharge into the MCWA system.
CMU was not a member of MCWA when the rate increase was agreed on but has subsequently become a board member. Accordiingly, CMU will strive to assist MCWA in reaching reasonable rates.
CMU is billed by MCWA for every gallon of wastewater sent to their system. The MCWA Board sets the MCWA rate and is not subject to regulation by the Public Service Commission. The MCWA charge on your bill reflects the exact rate CMU is charged. Other utilities across Madison County apply similar charges for customers connected to the MCWA system.
The Madison County Wastewater Authority (MCWA) is a regional agency responsible for treating wastewater for much of Madison County. MCWA is governed by a Board consisting of Madison County, the City of Madison, Bear Creek Water Association, Pearl River Valley Water Supply District, West Madison Utility District, Lake Lorman Utility District, and CMU. Approximately 40% of CMU’s sewer customers discharge into the MCWA system.
CMU was not a member of MCWA when the rate increase was agreed on but has subsequently become a board member. Accordiingly, CMU will strive to assist MCWA in reaching reasonable rates.
CMU is billed by MCWA for every gallon of wastewater sent to their system. The MCWA Board sets the MCWA rate and is not subject to regulation by the Public Service Commission. The MCWA charge on your bill reflects the exact rate CMU is charged. Other utilities across Madison County apply similar charges for customers connected to the MCWA system.
Why are the rates outside the city limits higher?
Customers outside the city limits are more widely spaced, which requires additional piping, pumping, maintenance, and service time. Higher rates for outside customers help cover these added costs. However, the current rate increase was applied uniformly, meaning outside city customers are not seeing a higher percentage increase than in-city customers. In addition, all customers outside the city limits have their sewer treated by MCWA, which requires the inclusion of the MCWA rate.
Customers outside the city limits are more widely spaced, which requires additional piping, pumping, maintenance, and service time. Higher rates for outside customers help cover these added costs. However, the current rate increase was applied uniformly, meaning outside city customers are not seeing a higher percentage increase than in-city customers. In addition, all customers outside the city limits have their sewer treated by MCWA, which requires the inclusion of the MCWA rate.
How do CMU’s rates compare to other utilities?
Water and sewer rates vary from system to system based on factors such as the level of treatment required, the age and condition of infrastructure, and the size of the customer base.
Across the country, water and sewer utilities are facing increased costs due to aging infrastructure, stricter regulations, and rising prices for labor, materials, and energy. CMU is not alone in needing to adjust rates to meet these challenges and maintain safe, reliable service.
According to the Mississippi Survey of Drinking Water Systems: Characteristics and Rate Structures, published by the Mississippi State University Extension Service in 2022, utilities comparable to CMU had an average rate of $37.17 for 5,000 gallons of water and $35.76 for 5,000 gallons of sewer service. These averages are in line with CMU’s proposed rates.
In addition, CMU’s rate consultant compared the proposed rates to those of similar utilities across the state and confirmed that CMU’s rates remain consistent and competitive with systems of similar size and complexity.
Water and sewer rates vary from system to system based on factors such as the level of treatment required, the age and condition of infrastructure, and the size of the customer base.
Across the country, water and sewer utilities are facing increased costs due to aging infrastructure, stricter regulations, and rising prices for labor, materials, and energy. CMU is not alone in needing to adjust rates to meet these challenges and maintain safe, reliable service.
According to the Mississippi Survey of Drinking Water Systems: Characteristics and Rate Structures, published by the Mississippi State University Extension Service in 2022, utilities comparable to CMU had an average rate of $37.17 for 5,000 gallons of water and $35.76 for 5,000 gallons of sewer service. These averages are in line with CMU’s proposed rates.
In addition, CMU’s rate consultant compared the proposed rates to those of similar utilities across the state and confirmed that CMU’s rates remain consistent and competitive with systems of similar size and complexity.
How will irrigation consumption be handled?
It is important that water used for irrigation is accurately measured and not charged for sewer service.
Customers who use a significant amount of water for outdoor purposes are encouraged to install a separate irrigation meter. This allows CMU to measure irrigation use separately from indoor water use, ensuring that only indoor usage is billed for sewer.
Installing an irrigation meter is the best way to avoid paying sewer charges on water that does not return to the sewer system.
It is important that water used for irrigation is accurately measured and not charged for sewer service.
Customers who use a significant amount of water for outdoor purposes are encouraged to install a separate irrigation meter. This allows CMU to measure irrigation use separately from indoor water use, ensuring that only indoor usage is billed for sewer.
Installing an irrigation meter is the best way to avoid paying sewer charges on water that does not return to the sewer system.
Can I discuss my specific bills with CMU?
Yes! If you are interested in setting up an appointment to go over your bill at the new rates with CMU staff, please call 601-859-2921.
Yes! If you are interested in setting up an appointment to go over your bill at the new rates with CMU staff, please call 601-859-2921.
Where can I find the PSC Filing for the rate increase?
Click on the link below https://cmu.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Public-Case-File-Sewer.pdf https://cmu.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Public-Case-File-Water.pdf
Click on the link below https://cmu.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Public-Case-File-Sewer.pdf https://cmu.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Public-Case-File-Water.pdf