HICKORY – General Statute 143-215.1C requires the owner or operator of any wastewater collection or treatment works to issue a press release when an untreated wastewater discharge of 1,000 gallons or more reaches surface waters.
In accordance with that regulation, the following news release has been prepared and issued to media in the affected county:
The City of Hickory had a discharge of untreated wastewater on 11/13/25 of an estimated 1,795,271 gallons at 104 6th Ave NE, Catawba, due to pump station failure. Approximately 1,602,000 gallons of untreated wastewater were discharged into Lyle Creek, in the Catawba River Basin.
The Division of Water Resources was notified of these events on 11/13/25 and is reviewing the matter. For more information, contact the City of Hickory Public Utilities Department at 828-323-7427.