Over the past 7 years, the Matanuska-Susitna Borough has commissioned various wastewater and septage studies. The studies examine options for providing wastewater treatment and septage disposal services for residents of Wasilla, Palmer and septage haul contractors operating in the Borough.

The first study dated 2007 focused on septage treatment and disposal, which effects the vast majority of Borough residents. 93% of Borough households are on private septage systems. Septage from all septic systems in the Borough's hauled to and disposed of in the Anchorage sewer network which discharges directly to Cook Inlet.