About 50,000 homes and businesses in southeast Charlotte have been affected by low water pressure problems Monday morning, according to utilities officials.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities crews have been looking for the source of the problem throughout the night without success, officials said.
CMUD officials said engineers believe the low pressure – and in some cases, lack of water pressure – is being caused by a leak or a valve problem.
“We think it’s a leak, or a valve stuck in the wrong position,” said CMUD Director Barry Gullet. “We are really looking hard for the source.”
Utilities officials are not sure of the exact boundaries of the problem, but they say it is in the southeast quarter of the county. Problems have been reported in southeast Charlotte, Matthews and Mint Hill.
A number of Charlotte-Mecklenburg and private schools are in the affected area, but there is no word so far about any change in school schedules Monday.
Gullet said water quality is not being affected, adding, “The water is safe to drink.”
According to utilities officials, reports of low water pressure started being received late Sunday night. CMUD sent out crews to look for a leak, but without success. Engineers also conducted a number of tests, in an effort to locate the problem. Those also did not work.
CMUD said areas east and south of Sharon Amity and Old Concord Roads are affected, but a number of people who live in southeast Charlotte and Matthews told the Observer on Monday morning that their water was working fine.
Utilities officials hope they will have more luck finding the leak after daylight arrives Monday.
Gullet suggested that people who live in southeast Mecklenburg County cut their use of water until the problem is fixed. He suggested residents and businesses not use lawn irrigation systems or do laundry.
Anyone experiencing low or no water pressure is asked to notify CharMeck 311 (dial 311 or 704-336-7600).