To report any type of pollution in a creek, lake, or storm drain, dial 311.
You should also call 311 if you suspect a sanitary sewer problem.
If you are calling from outside of Mecklenburg County or calling from a cell phone, you may need to dial 704-336-RAIN to reach a 311 operator.
The major pollutants in Mecklenburg County waterways are sediment and bacteria. The major source of sediment is runoff from construction sites. One major source of bacteria is overflows from sanitary sewer systems, often caused by improper grease disposal or tree roots that clog pipes.
Why be concerned about pollution?
Our creeks--and any pollution in the creek water--flow into rivers and lakes. Charlotte-Mecklenburg and a half-dozen communities rely on Lake Norman, Mountain Island Lake, and Lake Wylie for drinking water. The water that comes from your faucet has been thoroughly treated to remove contaminants. However, polluted water often costs more to treat and can result in higher water bills.
