Charlotte East Community Partners, Inc.

C-Mail 1-15: Help Protect The Environment

Jan 17, 2004

Help Protect The Environment

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities employees perform preventative maintenance on the wastewater pipe network to prevent sewer spills that can endanger water quality and public health. Reducing spills requires your help! Here are two ways you can help protect our local waterways:

1. Don't dump kitchen grease down the drain! Grease blockages cause more than half of all sewage spills - when it cools and hardens inside a pipe, grease creates clogs and back-ups. To properly dispose of grease, collect it in a can and when it hardens, throw it out with the trash. Vegetable oils and similar substances can be mixed with absorbent materials like coffee grounds or kitty litter and be thrown out with the trash.

2. Report any suspected sewage spill! If you detect foul odors or see a manhole overflowing, call Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities immediately at 704-357-6064. The line is answered 24 hours a day.