Raleigh Water Contains 1,200-Gallon Sewer Overflow in Wendell, Grease Cited

Grease plugged a sewer main on Osprey Landing Drive in Wendell last week, sending roughly 1,200 gallons of wastewater spilling from manhole SMH197597 before Raleigh Water crews locked down the overflow and prevented it from reaching any surface waters.

Raleigh Water's Sewer Maintenance Division received notification of the sanitary sewer overflow at about 10:13 a.m. on March 1. When crews arrived at the 6000 block of Osprey Landing Drive, they found wastewater actively discharging from the manhole at an estimated rate of 12 gallons per minute. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Division of Water Resources was notified at the same time crews were alerted.

"Staff took immediate action to stop the overflow and reduce its impact," Raleigh Water said in a release. "The blockage was cleared, and normal flow was restored at about 11:53 p.m."

The response stretched nearly 14 hours from first notification to restored flow. Despite the duration, all discharged wastewater stayed within a stormwater basin. "No wastewater reached any surface waters as it was contained within a stormwater basin," Raleigh Water stated. Responders observed no vegetative damage or fish kills.

Investigators traced the cause directly to grease accumulation in the line. Grease is among the most common contributors to sewer blockages across Raleigh Water's system, alongside wipes, rags, and diapers. The utility recorded 28 reportable sanitary sewer overflows between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025, defined as incidents involving 1,000 gallons or more or that reached surface waters. During the same period, crews flushed 441 miles of sewer lines, roughly 16 percent of the entire system, as part of ongoing preventive maintenance.

"Raleigh Water maintains a robust education and enforcement program to prevent the discharge of grease, debris, wipes, rags, diapers and other prohibited materials into the sewer system," the utility said. "Enforcement action is taken when appropriate."

The utility's guidance is direct: "Only water, human waste and toilet tissue are permitted in the sewer system. All other materials can damage infrastructure and are not allowed."

Anyone who spots sewage flowing from a manhole or detects excessive sewer odors in Wendell or anywhere in the service area can report it around the clock by calling 919-996-3245. Raleigh Water also runs a reward program that pays $50 to the first person who reports an observed overflow, with the goal of minimizing environmental impact through faster response. Additional prevention information is available at raleighnc.gov/water.