Charlotte Grapples with Wastewater Overflow Crisis Amid Heavy Rainfall

Charlotte Faces Wastewater Overflow Challenges

CHARLOTTE — Heavy rains and flooding have been causing some trouble in our lovely city as Charlotte Water crews work diligently to address a significant wastewater overflow issue near Stephens Rd. This situation is not something we see every day, but recent storms have overwhelmed one of the community’s key lift stations. This lift station, designed to transport wastewater from low-lying homes to higher elevations for proper treatment, is currently submerged due to excessive rainwater.

What’s Happening?

The lift station typically operates behind the scenes, quietly doing its job of moving wastewater through the system. It sits in lower areas, often beside creeks, helping out residents in these basins. Unfortunately, the overflow means that raw sewage could potentially spill into streets, creeks, or even homes if not managed quickly. This situation is serious, and the Charlotte Water team is actively monitoring the circumstances, working to provide updates once they can estimate the total gallons of wastewater that have spilled.

Prevention Starts with Us

Cam Coley, a spokesperson for Charlotte Water, emphasizes that a lot of these wastewater overflow incidents can often be avoided if everyone pitches in. Many folks might not realize that certain items should never go down the toilet or into storm drains. Items that may seem innocent, such as wipes labeled as “flushable,” don’t actually break down properly in our sewer systems. They can contribute significantly to blockages, leading to more extensive problems.

How Can Charlotteans Help?

To prevent further issues from arising, residents can adopt simple habits to ensure that the wastewater system flows smoothly:

• Toss in the trash: Avoid flushing paper towels, wipes, hair, cotton swabs, feminine hygiene products, dental floss, coffee grounds, and leftover food down the toilet or into drains.
• Toss in the toilet: Only toilet paper should go here; it’s what the system is designed to handle.
• Kitchen sink care: Pop soap suds, a small amount of food remnants, and liquids down your kitchen sink while steering clear of fats, oils, and grease; these can clog the drains.
• Recycle: Take used cooking oils and grease to a full-service recycling center, rather than pouring them down a drain.

Report Any Suspicion of Sewage Spills

If you believe you may have witnessed a sewage spill in your area, it’s essential to act quickly. Please reach out and inform the city by calling 311 or 704-336-7600. Every report is valuable, and it helps keep our community safe and clean.

Looking to the Future

As the effects of Tropical Storm Helene linger in nearby Gaston County, residents are currently on high alert regarding more possible flooding. The community in Charlotte stands strong, but let’s work together to prevent these nasty overflow situations from happening again. A little cooperation can go a long way in keeping our city’s infrastructure intact and ensuring clean waterways for everyone to enjoy.

So, let’s take care of our lovely city together. Remember, a simple action can lead to big changes!