Campus Water Improvements

Toby Creek will soon begin to look different. Initially, trees will be removed to allow for work along the stream corridor. The anticipated work is in connection to a stream restoration project being led by Mecklenburg County Storm Water Services.

Stream restoration projects, such as this, will evolve to look different from its beginning weeks to the first year and in years ahead when the stream and floodplain begin to mature. With the goal of reducing soil erosion, the shores will be cleared and the stream banks reshaped. Then, native plants and trees are planted. In the end, the vegetation will mature and the stream corridor will be more stable.

So, what’s the big deal, you ask; and why should you care? These types of projects contribute greatly to improving water quality of streams, lakes, ponds and wetlands, while also increasing natural habitats throughout Mecklenburg County. And, because safe and healthy stream systems are not only of importance today, but will prove beneficial for future generations.

An equally essential project that will occur simultaneously is the UNC Charlotte Reclaimed Water System project. The Engineering Services (ES) and Planning, Design and Construction (PDC) units are working in collaboration with Charlotte Water to design and build a distribution system to campus for fall 2021. Charlotte Water will soon begin construction on a trunkline that will deliver reclaimed water from the Mallard Creek Wastewater Reclamation Facility to campus. Ultimately, this work will enable the usage of non-potable water to the campus Regional Utility Plants and some irrigation systems.

More information will be provided during key milestones for each project. In the meantime, contact Greg Cole and Brian Kugler with questions.

	Photos provided by Kimley-Horn
	Toby Creek Before Construction
Example of a similar project during construction.	Example of a similar project three months after construction.	Example of a similar project five years after construction.