Category Archives: What’s Going On?

Charlotte Water Responding to Main Leak on East 37th Street

Hi, Queen City! We’re sharing a quick update on emergency repair work taking place in the NoDa area.

What Happened

Charlotte Water received reports of a water main leak near the intersection of East 37th and North Davidson streets.

Our team was on-site quickly to assess the situation and reduce water flow on the street. Direct notifications were sent to neighbors within a three-block radius who may be impacted by temporary service disruptions or low pressure.

What Happens Next

  • CLTWater crews are coordinating with local utility partners to locate underground gas and telecommunication lines so our crews can dig safely.
  • Our team will excavate the site to reach the leaking pipe, complete the necessary repairs, and gradually restore full water pressure.
  • After repairs are made, CLTWater will flush the system and test the water quality. Once testing clears, we’ll send a final alert notifying impacted customers that service is fully restored.

We know water disruptions are a big inconvenience, and we truly appreciate your patience while our crews work to get everything fixed as quickly and safely as possible.

Additional details about our leak investigation, repair prioritization and repair process: How Charlotte Water Prioritizes Leaks | Charlotte Water Blog

Neighbor Helping Neighbor: Charlotte Water Answers the Call

When emergencies impact water systems, utilities across North Carolina work together to help communities recover. That’s exactly what Charlotte Water is doing by providing assistance to Anson County as it continues recovery efforts following recent impacts to its water system.

Two Charlotte Water pickup trucks

As part of long-standing mutual aid partnerships, Charlotte Water has deployed crews to support Anson County with system flushing, an important step in restoring water quality. At the same time, water samples from Anson County are being analyzed at Charlotte Water’s state-certified laboratory, helping expedite the testing process and provide timely, accurate results.

Mutual aid agreements allow water utilities to share specialized personnel, equipment and technical expertise when emergencies occur. This collaboration helps affected communities recover more quickly while ensuring critical services continue uninterrupted.

Charlotte Water has the personnel and laboratory capacity to support Anson County while continuing to provide safe, reliable drinking water and wastewater services to our own customers. There is no impact to Charlotte Water operations or service levels.

“Helping neighboring communities during times of need is part of what we do,” said Charlotte Water Director Angela Charles. “Our mutual aid partnerships strengthen our region’s resilience and ensure utilities can support one another when unexpected challenges arise.”

Charlotte Water remains in close coordination with Anson County and regional utility partners throughout the recovery effort.

Residents seeking information about Anson County’s water system operations, boil water advisory, restoration timeline or other local response efforts should contact Anson County officials, who are leading the incident response.

At Charlotte Water, we’re proud to support our neighbors and demonstrate the strength of regional partnerships that help keep communities safe.

Mount Holly Pump Station Officially Commissioned

Charlotte Water and the City of Mount Holly celebrated the official commissioning of the Mount Holly Pump Station at Tuckaseege Park. This transformative moment reinforces our commitment to providing the best regional water infrastructure for our community.

Group photo of Charlotte Water and Mt. Holly attendees

Connecting Communities

This commissioning ceremony represents more than just flipping a switch; it’s the culmination of extensive regional collaboration and engineering innovation. The new pump station now connects Mount Holly’s wastewater system to Charlotte Water’s regional network through specially installed pipelines running approximately 65 feet beneath the Catawba River and Long Creek.

How It Works

  • Wastewater travels from Mount Holly homes and businesses to the new Mount Holly Pump Station
  • The station then pumps wastewater through underwater pipelines to Charlotte Water’s Long Creek Pump Station
  • From there, wastewater will be treated at existing Charlotte Water facilities

Partnership for the Future

This commissioning is a huge milestone in the larger Stowe Regional Water Resource Recovery Facility project. By transitioning Mount Holly’s wastewater service to Charlotte Water, we’re creating a more resilient and sustainable system that will protect water quality in the Catawba River while preparing our communities for future growth.

We extend our gratitude to everyone who joined us for this historic celebration. This achievement represents true connection across communities, demonstrating what’s possible when we work together to protect our water resources for generations to come.

Learn more at https://stoweregionalwrrf.com/.

2024 Environmental Excellence Awards

What happens when industry and environmental protection join forces? For 28 years, Charlotte’s Environmental Excellence Awards have been answering that question with remarkable results.

This year’s ceremony celebrates nearly three decades of partnership between Charlotte Water and industrial customers who’ve chosen to go beyond compliance. We’re recognizing over 800 awards that represent real environmental stewardship, facilities that don’t just meet permit requirements but actively champion environmental protection.

Taken by Cam Coley, employee City of Charlotte, Charlotte Water

The Impact Speaks Volumes: These collective efforts contribute to award-winning wastewater treatment facilities and the beneficial reuse of over 200,000 tons of biosolids since 1997. Each recognition represents a facility that has embraced environmental leadership as a core value, creating ripple effects throughout our community’s water systems.

Award Criteria:
Platinum –
5+ consecutive years of 100% compliance (reporting, monitoring, permit limits). No slug loading or SNC. Must discharge during year.

Gold – 100% compliance for 1 year. No slug loading in 2024. No SNC for 2 years. Must be permitted all of 2024 and discharge during year.

Silver – 100% compliance for reporting/monitoring; 90%+ compliance for permit limits for 1 year. No slug loading in 2024. No SNC for 2 years. Must be permitted all of 2024 and discharge during year.

Most Improved – 100% compliance for reporting/monitoring and 90%+ compliance for permit limits in 2024. No SNC or slug loading in 2024.

Crown Award – Must qualify for Platinum, Gold, or Silver and apply for one category:

  • Industrial Pretreatment – 100% compliance for 2+ years plus innovative technology, environmental excellence, and cooperation with Charlotte Water.
  • Water Conservation – Significant water use reduction or unique conservation/reuse approach.
  • Pollution Prevention – Source reduction program while maintaining high environmental standards.
Taken by Cam Coley, employee City of Charlotte, Charlotte Water

Crown Award Recipients:

At the summit of environmental achievement, two organizations demonstrate what’s possible when industry embraces transformative change.

  • Bakkavor Foods USA earned the Crown Award for Most Improved; a recognition that tells a powerful story of environmental transformation. In food processing, where water usage presents complex challenges, their journey represents a fundamental shift in operational thinking.
  • Mecklenburg County 521 Foxhole Landfill claimed the Crown Award for Pollution Prevention, showcasing how waste management facilities can become environmental showcases rather than necessary burdens.

Platinum Award Recipients:

The Platinum tier reveals something fascinating: environmental excellence isn’t a destination, but a sustained journey.

  • Charlotte Pipe and Foundry Company – 5th year
  • Chematron Incorporated – 1st year
  • Mecklenburg County 521 Foxhole Landfill – 14th year
  • Norfolk Southern Railway – Charlotte Roadway Shop – 9th year

Gold and Silver Awards Recipients:

The remaining 22 award recipients create a comprehensive network of environmental leadership spanning diverse sectors:

Gold Award: AO Smith Corporation, Arjobex America, Carrier Corporation, Charleston Spar, Chesapeake Treatment Company, Cintas Corporation 99k, Du­-Norton, Frito-Lay, Hardcoatings, Safe Fleet, Snyder’s-Lance, Trane U.S., Union County Water, Vest Water Treatment Plant, Wallace Farm

Silver Award: Allied Plating Finishing, Bakkavor Foods USA, Barnhardt Manufacturing Company, Broadcom, Inolex Incorporated, Liquid Environmental Solutions, Pan-Glo Charlotte

These awards aren’t just certificates, they represent a fundamental shift in how industry views environmental responsibility. Each recipient demonstrates that environmental excellence and operational success aren’t competing priorities but complementary strategies, strengthening business performance and community health.