In Charlotte-Mecklenburg, 81% of watersheds contain streams which are considered "impaired." That means they are not clean enough for their intended use, which is recreation. Check out these maps and automated tools to see the water quality in local streams--both at this moment and over time.

Stream Use Support Index The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Stream Use Support Index (SUSI) map shows water quality by watershed. Different colors are used to show the levels of impairment. Interactive map The interactive surface water quality map lets you type in an address and see the SUSI index score of the nearest creek.

CMANN You can check water quality in real time thanks to about three dozen automated sensors located in streams around Charlotte-Mecklenburg. The sensors are linked to Storm Water Services computers.  The system is called the Continuous Monitoring & Alert Notification Network or CMANN. Click on the CMANN link, the click on the dots on the map to see the water quality data on your own computer.

303(d) list
The state of North Carolina also analyzes water quality in local streams to produce the 303d streams list.

Every two years, the state lists streams that are impaired for their intended use. 303(d) refers to the section of the federal Clean Water Act that requires that the list be developed. A stream is listed as impaired for its intended use or is considered supportive for its intended use.

How we test water quality in our streams and lakes

What's the water quality of our lakes?

Request specific water quality data

For more information:

Jeff Price
Environmental Analyst
704-336-4094

Daryl Hammock
City Water Quality Team Leader
704-336-2167

Olivia Edwards
Senior Environmental Specialist/CMANN
704-336-4761