In Charlotte-Mecklenburg, 81% of watersheds contain streams that are considered "impaired" by state standards. That means they are not clean enough for their intended use, which is recreation.
Storm Water Services uses a variety of methods to monitor water quality in our creeks. This includes collecting water samples by hand and using automated gauges that continually send water quality data to computers.   The various types of data are used to: identify specific problems such as illicit discharges evaluate short-term trends describe degrees of impairment measure the effectiveness of efforts to reduce pollution.

Stream water quality is also monitored around the clock by a network of  automated gauges. It’s called the Continuous Monitoring & Alert Notification Network or CMANN.

The state of North Carolina also analyzes water quality in local streams. 303(d) streams map

Every two years, the state lists streams that are impaired for their intended use. The list is known as the 303(d) list. It refers to the section of the federal Clean Water Act that requires that the list be developed. A stream is either listed as impaired for its intended use or is considered supporting for its intended use.

How we test water quality in our streams and lakes  

What’s the water quality in our lakes?

Request specific water quality data

For more information:

Jeff Price
Environmental Analyst
704-814-4649

Daryl Hammock
City Water Quality Team Leader
704-336-2167

Olivia Edwards
Senior Environmental Specialist/CMANN
704-336-4761