Stevenson-The DeSoto County Sewer Crisis: Time for Leadership to Step Up 

By Jon Stevenson, Chairman of DIGPAC (DeSoto Integrity and Government Political Action Committee) 

As Chairman of DIGPAC, an organization dedicated to securing vital  federal and state funding for DeSoto County’s infrastructure needs, I’ve  watched with growing frustration as a long-simmering dispute over  wastewater treatment threatens to become a full-blown crisis for our  communities. For nearly 50 years, portions of DeSoto County—including  the cities of Southaven, Horn Lake, and unincorporated areas—have relied  on the City of Memphis to treat our wastewater under agreements dating  back to 1975 and supplemented in 1983. This arrangement allowed gravity fed sewage to flow north into Memphis’ T.E. Maxson Wastewater Treatment  Plant at a subsidized rate far below what Memphis charges its own  suburban customers in Tennessee. 

In 2018, Memphis announced its intent to terminate the agreement upon its  expiration in September 2023, prioritizing capacity for its own residents and  growth. What followed was years of litigation: Memphis sought a  declaratory judgment to confirm its right to end the deal, while the Horn  Lake Creek Basin Interceptor Sewer District (serving our affected areas)  and DeSoto County argued for continued service or a smoother transition  to avoid environmental catastrophe. 

After consolidated federal court proceedings in Tennessee, U.S. District  Judge Mark S. Norris ruled in 2023 that Memphis was indeed within its  rights—the contract expired, and no renewal was required. However,  recognizing the public health risks of sudden disconnection (potential  overflows contaminating our shared aquifer and waterways), the judge  mandated an orderly phase-out: Memphis must continue treatment for up  to eight years while DeSoto expands its own facilities, primarily the  Johnson Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant operated by the DeSoto  County Regional Utility Authority (DCRUA). Rates for our district are also rising annually, gradually approaching the full wholesale rate of around  $3.32 per 1,000 gallons. 

This ruling bought us time, but it also highlighted the enormous challenge  ahead. Expanding Johnson Creek to handle the diverted flow is essentially  equivalent to building a new plant, with estimates now exceeding $300  million. We’ve made progress on some federal funding through the U.S.  Army Corps of Engineers and other sources, but far more is needed—and  quickly—to meet the court’s timeline without crippling rate hikes. 

That’s where our political leadership is dropping the ball. DeSoto County’s local officials, the Mississippi state legislature, and our federal delegation in Washington have paid lip service to this issue for years, but concrete action  on securing the necessary state and federal grants, low-interest loans, or  direct appropriations has been woefully inadequate. DIGPAC was formed precisely to advocate for these kinds of critical infrastructure projects, yet  too often we’re left fighting alone while politicians prioritize other agendas. If substantial state and federal funding isn’t secured soon, the burden will  fall squarely on ratepayers. Sewer bills in the affected areas of Southaven and Horn Lake are already rising due to the court-ordered rate increases,  but without outside help, costs could double or triple county-wide as utilities  pass on bond repayments and operational expenses. This isn’t just a problem for north DeSoto—interconnected systems and shared growth  pressures, including the fact that DCRUA (a county wide system) will bear  the financial responsibility for this problem, mean higher rates could ripple  across the entire county, hitting families, businesses, and our economic  competitiveness. 

DeSoto County is one of Mississippi’s engines of growth, attracting families and jobs with its quality of life, schools, and proximity to Memphis. But we can’t sustain that without modern, reliable infrastructure. It’s time for our  local supervisors, state representatives, senators, and congressional  delegation to quit giving lip service to this sewer funding crisis and make it their number one priority. Secure the grants. Push the appropriations.  

Deliver real results—before residents pay the price for inaction. Our community’s future depends on it.

This article is an opinion-editorial article written by Jon Stevenson in his role as chairman of DIGPAC (DeSoto Integrity and Government Political Action Committee). The opinions expressed are those of the author and not necessarily that of this publication.