Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD)
Definition
A special-purpose government agency that provides wastewater treatment and stormwater management for Louisville Metro and surrounding areas, serving approximately 860,000 people across 24 treatment facilities. MSD operates independently from Louisville Metro Government with its own elected board and budget funded through sewer fees, not property taxes. The agency manages over 3,000 miles of sanitary sewers and is under federal consent decree to reduce combined sewer overflows.
Louisville Context
MSD rates have increased significantly over the past decade to fund court-mandated infrastructure improvements. The average Louisville household pays $50-70/month for sewer services. MSD’s Waterway Protection Tunnel—a massive underground storage system—is being built beneath Louisville to capture overflow during heavy rains, with construction continuing through 2025 at a cost exceeding $1 billion.
Why It Matters
Your sewer bill is separate from your water bill and property taxes, but MSD’s infrastructure investments directly affect your rates. Understanding how MSD works helps you evaluate why sewer rates increase and whether these investments prevent sewage from flowing into the Ohio River during storms.
Dave’s Proposal
Dave will advocate for MSD to accelerate green infrastructure investments (rain gardens, permeable pavement) that reduce overflow at lower cost than tunnels alone. He’ll push for MSD to expand its low-income assistance program and increase transparency about rate-setting.