Asheville Implements Free Lead and Copper Testing Program Amid Drinking Water Safety Concerns

Asheville Takes Steps to Ensure Safe Drinking Water and Assess Watershed Impact

As we enter the winter months here in Asheville, the City’s Water Resources Department is stepping up its efforts to tackle important issues regarding drinking water safety and the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene. With increasing requests for testing drinking water for lead and copper, city officials are eager to provide residents with the latest updates and insights.

Lead and Copper Drinking Water Testing

The city is offering a free lead and copper testing program aimed particularly at homes built before 1988. This is a critical initiative, as those living in these older homes may be more susceptible to lead contamination. It’s especially essential for households with pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children under the age of six to get their water tested.

As of December 9, over 6,600 requests for lead testing have poured in, prompting Water Resources to work on expanding testing capacity. They’re taking action by contracting with additional laboratories certified by North Carolina State. Normally, residents could expect results in about 2-3 weeks, but due to the surge in demand, that timeframe has now stretched to approximately 4-6 weeks for most results.

Prioritizing Testing for Vulnerable Locations

The city is prioritizing testing at certain key locations:

• Schools and childcare facilities: These places pose a higher risk and serve our community’s most vulnerable members.
• Homes in the city’s compliance testing pool: These properties were tested for lead and copper back in July 2024, allowing the city to compare previous and current results.

The objective of these targeted sampling efforts is to monitor the health of the water system, especially after recent renovations aimed at achieving optimal corrosion control.

Early Results Look Promising

Initial test results from customer requests have been encouraging. Out of 159 samples taken from residences in mid to late November, only nine showed any detectable lead levels. Out of those, just three matched or surpassed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s lead action level of 0.015 parts per million in the first draw of water—meaning, the water was taken straight from the tap without letting it run beforehand.

Interestingly, when the water was run for just 30 seconds prior to testing, no samples showed detectable lead levels. This highlights the importance of flushing your faucet if the water has sat for more than six hours!

Expanding Access to Testing Kits

To make testing kits more accessible, the Water Resources Department is collaborating with the Asheville Fire Department (AFD) to establish kit pick-up and drop-off locations. Details about location and operating hours will be shared once they are finalized. This collaboration emphasizes the City’s commitment to making sure everyone has the resources needed for safe drinking water.

Assessing the Impact of Tropical Storm Helene

Meanwhile, aerial footage captured by the Asheville Police Department’s drone team is providing vital insights into the effects of Tropical Storm Helene on our North Fork watershed. The dramatic video revealed:

• Thousands of uprooted trees
• Numerous significant landslides
• Major topographical shifts affecting large areas of the watershed

This information will be crucial for guiding the city’s future restoration efforts within this precious ecosystem.

Stay Informed

Residents can find more information on the city’s Water Services Recovery efforts and updates regarding testing and watershed assessments by visiting the designated recovery pages provided by the City of Asheville.

As Asheville continues to navigate these challenges, community involvement and awareness are vital. By staying informed and taking part in testing programs, we can all play a role in ensuring the safety of our drinking water and the health of our environment.