Wastewater Overflow Releases 5,400 Gallons into Chapel Hill Tributary, OWASA Says

The Orange Water and Sewer Authority responded to a wastewater overflow at 4302 Drew Hill Lane in Chapel Hill Thursday afternoon. OWASA first arrived at the scene, located near Eastowne Drive, at 2:12 p.m. and stopped it within 36 minutes of the initial report, according to a release.

OWASA says the sanitary sewer overflow released 5,400 gallons of untreated wastewater into “an unidentified tributary” of nearby New Hope Creek. It also says the overflow was caused by built-up grease in the sewer line, which blocked the pipe. Cleanup efforts include flushing the area with clean water and sampling the tributary for water quality. In its release, OWASA said it will conduct community outreach in the area upstream of the overflow to educate residents and businesses on the proper disposal of fats, oils and grease.

The overflow comes as Orange County continues to experience what the North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council has already declared an “exceptional drought.” OWASA has recommended ways for residents to conserve water, including taking shorter showers, checking for leaks around your home, flushing the toilet only when necessary and turning off the faucet when washing dishes or brushing your teeth.

Featured image via Orange Water and Sewer Authority

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