Charlotte Water is responding to a wastewater overflow that released an estimated 6,250 gallons of sewage into Mallard Creek on April 19, after a pipe failure occurred near the 8500 block of Cliff Cameron Drive.
The overflow began at 11:42 a.m. and ended at 10:08 p.m. on Saturday. According to Charlotte Water’s preliminary report, approximately 6,240 gallons of the spill reached Mallard Creek, a tributary in the Yadkin Pee Dee Basin. Cleanup crews were dispatched immediately, and water quality testing is ongoing to determine the impact on the surrounding environment.
The incident is being tracked under Incident #202500700. Officials say the figures remain preliminary and may be updated in a final report.
Charlotte Water confirmed the cause was a pipe break, a recurring issue identified in its 2024 annual wastewater report. That report cited sewage overflows as a persistent challenge, with 162 sewer spills recorded in fiscal year 2024. Most incidents were caused by debris, grease, and root intrusion.
Charlotte Water’s largest overflow last year occurred in Huntersville, when 16,250 gallons of wastewater reached McDowell Creek due to a damaged manhole caused by a private contractor. That spill prompted targeted alerts to local residents.
Of the 162 spills last fiscal year, 22 were linked to contractor activity, and 34 involved less than 100 gallons. Charlotte Water has used SmartCover sensors to detect potential blockages, preventing additional overflows in remote or hard-to-access locations.
The utility continues to urge residents and institutions not to flush wipes or non-degradable materials, which frequently contribute to pipe blockages and overflows.
Officials say there is currently no threat to drinking water. Updates will be issued as water quality results become available.
