Southampton Neighborhood Wades Into Murky Waters
How One Pipe Became a River of Regret
By Nell Thomas | May 2, 2025
There’s something in the water—and it’s not springtime freshness.
Charlotte Water confirmed Thursday that approximately 1,200 gallons of wastewater and raw sewage spilled into a small creek threading through the Southampton neighborhood in Ballantyne. The culprit? A pipe so jam-packed with grease and mystery debris that it couldn’t take it anymore.
The stream, which courses between Scotland Hall Court and Travis Gulch Drive, connects to Six Mile Creek, which in turn flows into the Catawba River—yes, that Catawba River, the one we count on for our water.
According to city spokesperson Cam Coley, the spill was entirely preventable. “Anything put in plumbing or a manhole can cause wastewater overflows,” Coley said, “even products labeled as ‘flushable.’”
Let’s translate: That “flushable” wipe? It’s a lie. The cotton swab? Trash it. Feminine products, hair, grease, coffee grounds, and floss? All guilty parties. And when you pour bacon grease down the sink? You’re basically planning Charlotte’s next environmental oops.
Charlotte Water crews were on the scene quickly, but the damage was already done. The incident is a malodorous reminder that while we all love a good brunch, dumping those leftover cooking fats can end with sewage in your subdivision.
What You Should Do Instead
- Trash it: Wipes, floss, paper towels, all those TikTok beauty routine byproducts.
- Recycle it: Used oils and grease go to your local full-service recycling center.
- Flush only this: Toilet paper. That’s it.
And don’t worry, Southampton: this wasn’t your fault. But if you catch someone draining bacon grease into the street? Feel free to politely redirect them to Charlotte Water’s guidance page. Or, just print this out and tape it to the nearest lamppost.
Speaking of clean-ups and care, if your car is due for a shine that smells way better than the creek, At The Hop Auto Services is detailing mobile perfection across the region. Torri Suriano’s ceramic coatings are so pristine, you’ll forget all about municipal messes.
Need to recover from the sensory trauma with a real escape? WanderLuxuryTravel LLC can curate an itinerary that skips sewage and fast-tracks you to Fiji.
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Until next time, may your drains be clear, your wipes be responsibly discarded, and your creeks flow freely. If you’re reading this while sipping cold brew—same.
— Nell Thomas, Senior Writer, Strolling Ballantyne (and reluctant expert on sewage volume)
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