More than 2 million gallons of wastewater discharged into Charlotte creek after heavy rain, flooding

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — This week’s rain and severe weather is being blamed for a massive wastewater spill in west Charlotte.

Charlotte Water said flooding caused Stewart Creek’s bank to wash away, exposing a wastewater pipe off of Lela Avenue in the Wesley Heights neighborhood.

Officials said 2.1 million gallons of waste have reached the creek, but drinking water is not impacted by the overflow.

“That’s a creek back there that a lot of people run, walk their animals and so it’s a little bit concerning," said neighbor John McKeever.

180,000 gallons of wastewater overflow into Charlotte tributary 180,000 gallons of wastewater overflow into Charlotte tributary

Crews were able to set up a temporary pumping system to stop the overflow, but replacing the broken pipe and pumping the waste out of Stewart Creek could take several weeks.

Charlotte Water does want people and their pets to steer clear of the creek until repairs are made.

“Hopefully they can figure out exactly what caused it, so it doesn’t happen again and hopefully no one is really that impacted by it,” said neighbor Brian Roth.

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