An estimated 500,000 gallons of raw sewage spilled into Lake Wylie after a York County pump station lost power Monday evening.
The massive overflow happened at the Little Allison Creek Pump Station in Lake Wylie. Sewage entered the Little Allison Creek inlet before crews were able to stop the discharge.
York County said the overflow has now ended.
The county contacted the SCDES after discovering the problem. Utilities crews have also prioritized repairs to the pump station equipment connected to the spill.
Little Allison Creek feeds directly into Lake Wylie, one of the Charlotte region’s most heavily used waterways. The lake provides recreation, fishing and drinking water resources across both Carolinas.
Raw sewage can contain disease-causing bacteria, viruses and other contaminants. Elevated E. coli levels are commonly used as an indicator of fecal contamination in waterways.
County officials plan to periodically test the affected water for elevated bacteria, including E. coli.
