Analysis
NAICS 221320 is the 2022 national industry for sewage treatment facilities, part of 22132 (Sewage Treatment Facilities). Census lists 5 example activities under it in the official index.
Between 2018 and 2023 the number of establishments fell 14% and employment rose 29%. The 2018 count used NAICS 2017, so part of a large move can come from codes being redefined rather than from businesses opening or closing.
County Business Patterns counts 538 US establishments in this code in 2023, employing 6,989 people at an average annual payroll of $73,230 per employee (58th percentile of national industries). 55% of the establishments have fewer than five employees, which is close to the national mix.
Its index entries, the activities Census uses to assign businesses to this code, include collection, treatment, and disposal of waste through a…, sewage disposal plants, sewage treatment plants or facilities and sewer systems, among 5 in all.
Census lists 4 related activities that belong elsewhere, most often in 56221, 221310, 562991 and 562998. Businesses that do several things are classified by their primary activity, the one that generates the most value, so check those boundaries before settling on this code.
For example, operating waste treatment or disposal facilities (except sewer systems or sewage treatment facilities) are classified in 56221 (Waste Treatment and Disposal) instead.
Official definition
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in operating sewer systems or sewage treatment facilities that collect, treat, and dispose of waste.
Source: US Census Bureau, NAICS 2022 Manual.
Not this code if…
| The business mainly does | Use instead |
|---|---|
| Operating waste treatment or disposal facilities (except sewer systems or sewage treatment facilities) | 56221 Waste Treatment and Disposal |
| Operating water treatment plants and/or operating water supply systems | 221310 Water Supply and Irrigation Systems |
| Pumping (i.e., cleaning) cesspools, portable toilets, and septic tanks or renting portable toilets | 562991 Septic Tank and Related Services |
| Cleaning and rodding sewers and catch basins | 562998 All Other Miscellaneous Waste Management Services |
Index entries (5)
- Collection, treatment, and disposal of waste through a sewer system
- Sewage disposal plants
- Sewage treatment plants or facilities
- Sewer systems
- Waste collection, treatment, and disposal through a sewer system