Tega Cay homeowner upset over sewage spill caused by heavy rain

TEGA CAY, S.C. — People on Pointe Clear Lane, in Tega Cay, told Eyewitness News they woke up to sewage spilling out of the sewer system and into their backyards and Lake Wylie.

They said crews arrived hours later to suck the sewage up.

Water company Utilities Inc. said heavy rain put too much stress on the sewer system, causing it to overflow in six different places.

While there was no risk to the drinking water, the company issued a no-swimming advisory and made hundreds of phone calls to neighbors, who said they were frustrated because it happens too much.

"It's dangerous for kids. You obviously can't eat the fish, if you fish. You don't even want to go in the lake, and that's the reason we moved here," said Debbie Zelewski, a neighbor.

For years, Eyewitness News has reported on neighbor complaints. In October, a group took its concerns to Gov. Nikki Haley. Her office vowed to work with a team of attorneys and with Department of Health and Environmental Control on a solution.

Monday, a spokesman for Utilities Inc. said on the phone that the company had taken corrective actions and was doing everything possible to get the spills stopped.

Eyewitness News also contacted DHEC.

"DHEC is investigating the overflows reported for Tega Cay Water Services / Utilities Inc. We are concerned that these problems continue and we will take all actions allowed by law to address these most recent events," said Jim Beasley Public, DHEC information officer, in a statement.

WSOC