Asheville Residents Navigate Boil Water Notice Following Recent Storm
Asheville is a city that prides itself on its stunning mountain vistas and vibrant community spirit. But recently, the residents of Asheville have faced a challenge that has rattled their daily routines: a boil water notice issued after the water system was damaged due to a severe storm.
What Happened?
About two weeks ago, Asheville’s community finally started seeing water flowing back into their homes and businesses. While this was a much-anticipated moment, it came with an important warning: “This water is not for cooking or drinking.” Many residents could see why such a warning was necessary, as the water coming out of the tap bore a discolored and cloudy appearance that didn’t look too inviting.
Understanding the Boil Water Notice
The boil water notice may sound alarming, but it’s essentially a precaution to ensure public safety amidst challenges regarding water quality. At a recent briefing on October 23, Clay Chandler, the Public Information Officer for the Water Resources Department, explained what the notice means and why it’s in effect. The main culprit here is the level of turbidity in the water.
The water is tested daily at both the source and throughout the distribution system. In total, there are 184 sampling stations, and typically, only around 8 to 10 of these are tested daily. However, due to the recent issues, they’ve ramped up that process to 35 samples each day, along with targeted sampling reaching as high as 40 to 60 stations.
What Are They Testing For?
The testing isn’t just a quick glance. The city tests for several parameters, including total coliform, E. coli, and chlorine. Since the storm, additional tests are being conducted daily for aluminum, iron, and manganese, which are generally tested weekly. These contaminants are under the federal government’s maximum contaminant limits, or MCLs, meaning the city is working diligently to keep everything safe.
As a little background, Chandler shared that while levels of iron and manganese were slightly above the acceptable MCLs, residents shouldn’t panic. However, those with health issues could consider checking in with their doctor if they’re concerned about the potential long-term effects of these metals being present.
Residents and Water Use
So what does this mean for Asheville residents looking to use their tap water? Right now, all water is under a boil water notice. This means that the water coming out of your faucet isn’t safe for drinking, cooking, or even brushing your teeth. In simple terms, to make the water safe for consumption, it needs to be boiled for at least one minute and then cooled down before use.
Here are some items to keep in mind regarding your water usage:
- Drinking water, cooking, washing fruits and vegetables, making baby formula, and providing water for pets are all prohibited without boiling.
- Good news! You can still use the water for laundry, bathing, handwashing, and dishes, but with a caveat—make sure there are no cuts on your skin that might be exposed.
Stay Informed
The city is dedicated to keeping its residents updated and informed. They have shared a daily updated spreadsheet outlining the results of the water sampling, including specific limits and parameters being monitored. So, if you’re thirsty, it’s best to keep those pitcher filters stored away for now and check out the city’s resources for the latest guidelines and FAQs related to the boil water notice.
A Community Effort
This situation is a reminder that despite the challenges, the Asheville community has the resilience to work through adverse conditions together. So while we all await the restoration of clean and safe drinking water, let’s continue to support each other and stay informed!
