Tropical storm flooding brings debris to major drinking water supply [Video]

As floodwaters recede after Tropical Storm Helene, all of the water and debris is making its way through the Catawba River System.

Every drop of water that falls in the northern foothills eventually flows through here and ends up going to Lake Wylie, and even further into South Carolina.

It’s the drinking water source for millions, and those who work to keep it clean say the storm highlights just how vulnerable the river can be.

“Anything that’s in the water upstream is coming our way, and that includes debris and damage from homes, bridges, but also if there’s been sewer overflows, if there’s been rockslides or mudslides, all of that is on its way here,” said John Searby, the executive director of the Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation.

>How you can help those impacted by Hurricane Helene;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas”>>>How you can help those impacted by Hurricane Helene

Searby told Channel 9 Climate Reporter Michelle Alfini these disasters force many to think about exactly where our water goes for the first time.

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