Wake Forest warns residents to avoid Tom’s Creek after wastewater discharge

Wake Forest officials say a foul odor reported near Kemble Ridge Drive led them to Tom’s Creek, where they found a privately operated wastewater treatment facility discharging untreated effluent. The town’s June 8 notice says staff investigated immediately and contacted the responsible company.

The town is telling residents to avoid contact with Tom’s Creek until further notice. Officials specifically said people should not fish or use the water for recreation, and pets should not swim in or drink it.

The town also said it coordinated with Raleigh Water and notified the regional office of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality. Raleigh Water says sewer failures can create public health, odor and sanitation problems, while NCDEQ says untreated wastewater discharges can carry harmful bacteria or pathogens and affect water quality, fish and plants.

The notice did not say when the discharge began, how much effluent entered the creek, or when the water will be safe again. Residents near Tom’s Creek should watch for follow-up updates from Wake Forest, Raleigh Water or NCDEQ before assuming the advisory has ended.

Sources

• Town of Wake Forest — Town investigating wastewater discharge into Tom's Creek
• North Carolina DEQ — Sanitary sewer overflow FAQ
• Raleigh Water — Sanitary Sewer Collection System