Metropolitan Sewer Subdistrict (MetroConnects) is investigating a sanitary sewer overflow near Elstar Loop Road in Simpsonville, behind the Gilder Creek Farm Subdivision.

MetroConnects responded to an overflowing manhole on Friday, May 5, 2023. MetroConnects’ crews worked overnight to remove bricks and large rocks that had been thrown down into the manhole, causing the sewer line to become blocked and overflow. The manhole has been cleared and the damages to the manhole and sewer line have been repaired.

The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control has been notified of the spill. A reminder to the public that vandalism of sanitary sewer infrastructure is a criminal act. If you witness anyone, other than MetroConnects’ personnel, tampering with a manhole or sanitary sewer line, you are asked to call Crime Stoppers at (864) 23-CRIME or (864) 232-7463 or MetroConnects at (864)

Residents are encouraged to avoid contact with the water at Gilder Creek until testing is completed to confirm that bacteria levels have returned to normal. Caution signs are posted downstream of the spill and will remain posted for the next 10 days. Crews have also treated the area with Lyme and added straw to the area to return the soil pH levels to normal.

This event did NOT affect MetroConnects’ ability to provide sewer service to the area and did NOT affect the drinking water.

As a reminder, sanitary sewer systems are not trash cans. Sewer systems are not designed to accommodate anything other than human waste, toilet paper, and used water (water from sinks, showers, bathtubs, washing machines, and dishwashers). When inappropriate items are flushed down the toilet, they clog sewer pipes and create backups that cost time and money to clear and create possible environmental consequences affecting public health, the environment, and water sources.

Read more about how you can be a strong sewer steward!

For additional information, please call (864) 277-4442. Any updates will be posted to www.metroconnects.org.