Charlotte Water crews addressed a major wastewater overflow on South Tryon Street following a pipe failure, releasing an estimated 571,164 gallons of untreated sewage into Sugar Creek within the Catawba River Watershed. The spill occurred Tuesday, with the volume calculated based on flow since the pipe’s last inspection in August 2025.
Incident Response
Pipes crossing creeks undergo inspections every six months, but this failure highlights vulnerabilities in the aging infrastructure. Crews acted swiftly to contain the overflow, though public habits contribute significantly to such events.
Prevention Advice
Cam Coley, Charlotte Water spokesperson, stressed that “flushable” wipes, paper towels, hair, cotton swabs, feminine products, fats, oils, and grease often clog systems instead of breaking down. Residents should trash these items and recycle grease at full-service centers—only toilet paper belongs in toilets.
