All posts by Cam Coley CLTWater Communications

Project & Construction Update

Central Avenue Pipe Repair Update

On Thursday, July 7th, a customer called about a manhole on Central Avenue. A rapid response crew was dispatched to investigate Thursday morning and found that the manhole needed a new top and interior cleaning due to grease build-up. Crews returned Friday and additional investigations found that the wastewater pipe was leaking 17 feet below ground and the only option was to the close the road.

  • Crews set up temporary pumps to maintain wastewater service and prevent a larger wastewater spill.
  • A drinking water pipe is very close to the work area and is being relocated to reduce water outages for customers during the pipe and manhole replacement effort.
  • Two new valves were installed to maintain water service to businesses.

Traffic detours were implemented, which impacted residents in the area significantly. We understand how inconvenient they are. CLTWater made every effort to work in the zone, but a road closure was necessary to finish the work as quickly, safely, and efficiently as possible.

This is one of many areas in Charlotte that is growing. It is essential that CLTWater continues this work of maintaining and rehabilitation our critical infrastructure so it can support development in the City.

Schedule

  • Friday, July 15th, 2022
    • Crews replaced a wastewater manhole due to the brick structure beginning to break.
  • Weekend
    • Storm water pipes had to be removed to complete this work and will be replaced.
    • 20 feet of drinking water pipe will be relocated and put back in service.
  • Tuesday
    • Crews will rebuild the road by adding new soil and compacting it in preparation for repaving.
    • Crews will mill and pave the road in preparation to restripe and reopen late Tuesday or Wednesday, weather permitting.

Top photos – View of collapsing manhole with a hose inside to pump wastewater out to maintain service.

Large photo – A new (red) valve was installed to turn off the water in the construction zone and keep water service on for businesses.

Updates

New Hydrant Permit Decal 2022 – 2024

Any individual using a fire hydrant to draw water must have a 2022-2024 Green Hydrant Permit Decal located on the back or side of their equipment.

The Charlotte Water fire hydrant program provides temporary service for customers in Mecklenburg County for authorized use of public fire hydrants. Hydrants are part of the water distribution system and an essential part of public safety, public health, and customer service to our community. Charlotte Fire Department (CFD) and Charlotte Water (CLT-Water) are the only two organizations authorized access to the fire hydrants without a special permit.

You play a crucial role in the Hydrant Permit Program.
If you notice a company using a fire hydrant and they don’t have the proper Hydrant Permit Decal, immediately report it to Charlotte Water by calling 311 or 704-336-7600.

Please provide the following information:

  • Time and Location of Occurrence, include any address or cross streets.
  • Description of Vehicle or Assembly, including Company Name.
  • License Plate Number, Name of Operator, or description of individuals.

For more information about the Charlotte Water Hydrant Program and to obtain a permit, please go to https://charlottenc.gov/Water/Development/Pages/FireHydrantUseProgram.aspx.

Repairs and Spills, Wastewater

Downed Tree Causes Large Wastewater Spill on Long Creek

March 15, 2022 – Charlotte Water crews responded to a broken 30-inch wastewater pipe. A fallen tree eroded the creek bank causing the 30-inch wastewater pipe to collapse. An estimated 484,075 gallons reached Long Creek. Crews quickly set up a barrier to contain the spill and temporary above-ground pipes to pump the community’s wastewater around the broken pipe.

Broken pipe section displaced approximately 100 feet downstream
Crews quickly created a barrier to contain the broken pipe and stop the spilling.
Crews then worked on temporary above-ground pipes to pump around the broken pipe (file photo from a previous repair).
The tree in the photo fell eroding the creek bank and undermining the wastewater pipe until it collapsed.

This spill does not affect drinking water.

How You Can Help

This spill was caused by weather and creek bank erosion but most spills are caused by blockages. You can help reduce blockages and spills.

  • 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.
  • Kitchen sink: soap suds, small amounts of foods from plate, and liquids (no fats, oils, or grease).
  • Take to a full-service recycling center: used and expired oils and grease.

Suspect A Sewage Spill? Call 311 or 704-336-7600.

Charlotte Water rapid response crews operate 24 hours-a-day.

Charlotte Water crews maintain more than 4,475 miles of wastewater pipe. Charges from monthly water bills fund preventative maintenance, emergency response, and the safe daily delivery of more than 91 million gallons of wastewater to treatment plants, where wastewater is treated to high water quality standards.

Updates

How to Report Unauthorized Hydrant Use

Is a company using a fire hydrant on your street?

If so look for the green hydrant decal. This decal is proof that they are authorized to use the hydrant and pay for the water they use. 

CLTWater maintains more than 17,600 hydrants throughout the county. The Charlotte Fire Department and CLTWater periodically use hydrants for fire response, water quality concerns, testing, and to serve contractors and other vendors.

Authorized Users are:

  • Street cleaning vehicles, irrigation trucks, and vendors with truck-mounted tanks that have a hydrant decal on the back of the tank or truck.
  • Fire Departments
  • CLTWater staff

If you see a use of a hydrant, please:
1. Look for yellow hydrant decal on the back of the tank or truck. If there is one, then it is likely authorized. If people are behaving suspiciously then proceed with below steps.

2. Write down

– Name of the company on truck

– License tag number

– Location of hydrant

– Time of the illegal usage.

3. Take a photo if possible.

4. Call 311 or 704-336-7600 and ask to speak to CLTWater Customer Service Dispatch.

Note: Hydrants may also have a device attached to them. These are temporary hydrant meters that help us accurately bill water use. Learn more at charlottewater.org or call 311 or 704-336-7600.