Crews respond to estimated 88-gallon wastewater spill near Lake Wylie

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Charlotte Water crews responded to a wastewater overflow near Lake Wylie Wednesday.

An estimated 88 gallons reached Lake Wylie.

Most homes along the lakes are served by low-pressure sewer systems that convey waste to a gravity-fed sewer to the wastewater treatment plants. According to officials, a contractor accidentally damaged a low-pressure pipe, causing the overflow.

A majority of wastewater overflows can be prevented with your help. Anything put in plumbing or a manhole can cause wastewater overflows, spilling raw sewage into your street, your creek or even inside your own home. Even products labeled as ‘flushable’ do not breakdown in the sewer system and can contribute to clogging.
Cam Coley, spokesperson at Charlotte Water

How you can help:

• Toss in the trash: paper towels, wipes, hair, cotton swabs, feminine products, dental floss, coffee grounds, and excess food
• Toss in the toilet: only toilet paper
• Drain in the sink: soap suds, small amounts of foods from plate, and liquids
• Take to a full-service recycling center: used and expired oils and grease

Suspect a sewage spill? Call 311 or 704-336-7600.