Asheville’s Breweries Face Water Crisis Post-Helene
In the picturesque city of Asheville, North Carolina, a recent disaster has thrown the local brewing community into a tailspin. With approximately one-fourth of the state’s breweries located in FEMA-designated disaster areas, the fallout from recent events has highlighted vulnerabilities that many never considered. As many as 120 breweries in the western part of North Carolina are grappling with a severe shortage of potable water, a fundamental resource necessary for their operations.
A Brewing Community Struggles
One of those affected is Vince Tursi, the head brewer and owner of DSSOLVR in downtown Asheville. Tursi opened his brewery just three months before the COVID-19 pandemic forced widespread shutdowns. Although his team managed to weather the storm of the pandemic, they’re now faced with another critical challenge brought on by the aftermath of Helene. “Right now, what we’re seeing as one of the biggest impacts is the potable water issue,” Tursi expressed, shedding light on the hardships faced by local brewers.
With the water crisis ongoing, Tursi said, “We don’t have potable water, no.” He noted that while water outages are not uncommon, they usually last for only a short period of time. Previously, a water outage would last 48 to 72 hours, and soon after, the water would return. However, the uncertainty surrounding the current non-potable water situation is a source of frustration for Tursi and many others in the community.
Creativity in Crisis
Amidst the turmoil, DSSOLVR and other breweries in Asheville sprang into action. In an effort to assist those in need, they quickly organized a giveaway event, distributing 1,000 gallons of potable water in just 36 hours. For Tursi and his team, this community spirit is vital. “Not knowing how long this non-potable thing is going to be going on for is very frustrating,” he admitted.
As the water crisis continued, Tursi and his colleagues faced another dilemma regarding their beer production. “We realized if we can’t brew and we can’t give away any more water, everything just needs to be put on hold,” Tursi explained. To prevent losing any beer already in the brewing process, he made the difficult decision to stabilize a few fermenters. This way, they could resume production when they finally acquired usable water again.
A Community That Cares
As news of their predicament spread, other breweries across North Carolina stepped in to help. Tursi had the opportunity to deliver beer across the state, and many establishments eagerly ordered kegs from DSSOLVR, wanting to support Asheville’s local beer scene. “All over the state, all these bars are like: ‘I want to support Asheville beer,’ so we’re just selling a lot of kegs, which is great because it’s a great margin, not a lot of overhead,” Tursi remarked regarding the overwhelming support.
Unfortunately, with their stock depleting, DSSOLVR found themselves down to only 1,500 gallons and with no way to replenish. Consequently, Tursi’s team decided to launch a collaborative initiative—the “Higher Calling” hazy IPA. More than 100 breweries have already committed to brewing and selling this special beer. The profits from this collaboration will go to a nonprofit organization, focusing on supporting impacted brewers and their staff.
Understanding the Importance of Solidarity
As this crisis unfolds, many in the brewing community echo Tursi’s sentiment: “If we don’t survive together, there’s not really a home worth coming back to.” The bonds formed in moments of adversity often shine the brightest, and the resilience of Asheville’s brewing community showcases the spirit of collaboration found in the face of hardship.
While the challenges ahead may seem daunting, the camaraderie and collective determination among Asheville’s brewers remind everyone that they are stronger together. It’s a message that resonates not only in the craft beer community but throughout the entire city as they work to rebuild and recover.
