image of storm drain with water rushing out

Storm Drainage Improvements

To place a storm water service request, ask a billing question or report water pollution call 3-1-1 (or 704-336-7600) Monday-Friday between 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Mecklenburg County Storm Water Services works with the Towns of Cornelius, Matthews, Mint Hill, Pineville and unincorporated areas of Mecklenburg County to maintain and improve drainage systems. Each jurisdiction within Mecklenburg County determines how to spend their funds on drainage repairs. These systems consist of storm drains, catch basins, underground pipes, open channels, culverts and creeks. Drainage improvements include replacing old drains and pipes, cleaning culverts and removing large creek obstructions.

The towns of Huntersville and Davidson maintain their own drainage system and should be contacted separately.

Find more drainage improvement information for the City of Charlotte.

Eligibility

The Storm Water Services program uses fees to work on public stormwater projects. When you report a drainage concern, an inspector will visit the site to determine if the concern is eligible. To be eligible, a repair must carry stormwater from a public street and serve the public good, not simply enhance private property. If the issue is eligible, the inspector will analyze the severity of the situation to prioritize and rank the request for service. First priority is given to protecting lives and homes.

Priority Levels

Easements

One of the common delays for stormwater repairs relates to easements. Before work can begin, property owners must grant an easement, allowing Mecklenburg County Storm Water Services and construction crews access to property. An easement does not reduce your property size or transfer ownership to the County. It does, however, create some limitations on the use of the easement area for the sake of the drainage system. There are two types of easements: a Mecklenburg County Storm Water Services easement and a public drainage easement.

Mecklenburg County Storm Water Services easement grants the County the permanent right to access and maintain stormwater systems to protect the public’s investment. A public drainage easement allows upstream property owners the right to drain their stormwater runoff across downstream properties. Flows may be overland or concentrated in pipes and open ditches.

Contractors

Most repair projects are managed through private contractors. Mecklenburg County Storm Water Services inspectors and engineers visit the sites, develop a plan and complete drawings that the contractors will use during construction. Construction contracts then must be bid, materials purchased and workers scheduled before work can begin.