A leaking meter box. A surprise line item on your bill. A soggy side yard after a storm. If you own a home in Matthews, water, sewer, and stormwater can feel confusing. You just want to know who handles what, what you pay, and how to prevent headaches. This guide breaks it down with clear steps and official resources so you can protect your home and budget. Let’s dive in.
Who does what in Matthews
Charlotte Water provides drinking water and sanitary sewer service in Matthews. The utility runs the mains, meters, and billing. For emergencies or account help, start with Charlotte Water’s contact page.
Stormwater is a joint effort. Charlotte–Mecklenburg Storm Water Services funds and manages regional programs, and the Town of Matthews handles local storm drains, inlets, and small pipes. The Town’s policy explains which drainage issues qualify for public repair and which are private maintenance items. Review the Town’s guidance on stormwater responsibilities and common issues. For active flooding, spills, or drainage concerns, you can also use the County’s Report a Concern portal or call 311.
What you pay and how it works
Water and sewer rates
Charlotte Water updates rates each fiscal year. Residential bills include fixed fees plus volumetric water and sewer charges. For current numbers, check the official Charlotte Water Rates and Fees page and confirm the effective dates.
Matthews stormwater fees
Matthews homeowners pay a monthly stormwater fee based on impervious surface area grouped into four tiers. The fee includes a County component, a Town component, and an administrative charge.
For FY2026 (effective July 1, 2025):
- Tier 1: $5.15 per month
- Tier 2: $7.33 per month
- Tier 3: $10.13 per month
- Tier 4: $16.62 per month
Confirm current amounts on the Storm Water Services fees page before you budget.
How to find your stormwater tier
Mecklenburg County measures impervious area from aerial imagery. Look up your parcel to see your mapped impervious square footage and billing tier using the Mecklenburg GeoPortal.
Fee credits and appeals
Some properties may qualify for stormwater fee credits, such as certain ponds or approved stormwater control measures. Policies and applications are posted on the City’s Stormwater Fees and Credits page.
Responsibilities and maintenance
Water service and meter
Charlotte Water maintains the public water main, the meter, and the meter box. You are usually responsible for the private service line that starts at the tailpiece immediately after the meter. For what the utility installs versus what you maintain, see Charlotte Water’s New Residential Install guidance.
Sewer laterals and backups
Charlotte Water maintains the public sewer main. Homeowners are generally responsible for the private lateral from the home to the public connection. If sewage backs up, call 311 so the utility can check the public main. For prevention tips and when to consider a backwater valve, review Charlotte Water’s Fixes and Troubleshooting page.
Stormwater and drainage
The Town of Matthews may repair stormwater issues in the public right of way when there is a public source of water or a clear public benefit. Routine yard ponding or problems caused by private grading or landscaping may not qualify. You are expected to maintain private drains, swales, and downspouts, and keep nearby curb inlets clear of debris. See the Town’s stormwater responsibilities overview for examples.
Who to call in Matthews
- Water or sewer emergency, leak, sewer spill, or meter issue: Call 311 or 704-336-7600. Use Charlotte Water’s contact page for 24/7 dispatch.
- Stormwater concern, street flooding, blocked creek, or pollution: Call 311 or use the Report a Concern form.
- Immediate danger or active flooding emergency: Call 911.
Simple steps to reduce risk and cost
- Clear gutters, downspouts, driveway edges, and curb inlets of leaves and debris.
- Redirect downspouts to vegetated areas or a rain garden to reduce runoff.
- After large storms, check nearby inlets and remove loose debris by hand if safe.
- Consider a sewer lateral inspection if your home is older or you have recurring backups.
- Ask a licensed plumber about a backwater valve if your home is at risk of sewage backflow.
Look up property details in minutes
Use the Mecklenburg GeoPortal to view your parcel, impervious area, floodplain overlays, and other records. These tools help you verify your stormwater tier, check flood risk, and see nearby projects.
Projects, permits, and closings
Post-construction stormwater rules
If you are building new, adding hardscape, or regrading, Matthews follows countywide post-construction stormwater rules. Engineers and contractors must follow the procedures in the County and Towns manual. Review the current Post-Construction Administrative Manual and coordinate permits before starting work.
New water or sewer connections
Building or adding a meter to a vacant lot? Charlotte Water outlines availability reviews, connection steps, and system development fees on the New Residential Install page. Always confirm current fees and timelines directly with the utility.
Buyer and seller checkpoints
- Verify stormwater billing tier and impervious area via GeoPortal.
- Ask for any documents tied to private stormwater features, like maintenance agreements for ponds or stormwater control measures.
- If concerned about sewer condition, consider a lateral CCTV inspection during due diligence.
Ready to navigate water, sewer, and stormwater with confidence as you buy or sell in Matthews? Reach out to Christopher Hansen for local guidance and a smooth plan from contract to closing.
FAQs
How are water and sewer services provided in Matthews?
- Charlotte Water supplies drinking water and sanitary sewer service, maintains mains and meters, and handles billing. Call 311 for emergencies or service questions.
What determines my Matthews stormwater fee?
- Your fee is based on impervious surface area measured from aerial imagery and grouped into four residential tiers. Check your parcel and tier in the GeoPortal and confirm the current fee schedule.
Who maintains the storm drain in front of my house?
- The Town addresses qualifying drainage issues in the public right of way when there is a public source or public benefit. You should keep debris clear and maintain drainage on private property.
What should I do if water is bubbling up from the street or meter box?
- Treat it as a water emergency. Call 311 or 704-336-7600 so Charlotte Water can dispatch a crew 24/7.
How do I prevent sewer backups into my home?
- Maintain your private sewer lateral and consider a backwater valve if your home is at risk. If a backup occurs, call 311 so Charlotte Water can check the public main.
Do I need permits if I add a patio or regrade my yard?
- Projects that add impervious area or change drainage can trigger post-construction stormwater requirements. Review the County and Towns administrative manual and coordinate permits before work begins.
