In July 2025, Charlotte Water faced a significant emergency repair on a water main running along IBM Drive, an essential roadway servicing both commercial and residential areas. The section of the line required urgent repair, but the stakes were high. A complete shutdown would have resulted in water loss for two sizeable businesses as well as a large neighborhood.

The risk of widespread service disruption posed serious consequences for local commerce and daily life. Charlotte Water needed a solution that would allow it to isolate the repair site without interrupting service to its key customers, and our staff rose to the occasion.

“We were able to complete the repair quickly and efficiently without disrupting service to our commercial or residential customers,” said Jason Bromirski, a senior engineer at Charlotte Water. “This is an ideal outcome for such a critical location.”

To maintain service while addressing the damaged main, Charlotte Water installed an insta-valve. The insta-valve can be installed on an existing in-service main and allows us to perform maintenance or repairs without shutting down nearby blocks of the water distribution system.

Some problems require creative solutions, and Charlotte Water works every day to keep our water safe, reliable and flowing to your homes and businesses.