Asheville Schools Grapple with Water Crisis as Reopening Date Looms

Asheville Schools Face Water Crisis, Targeting Reopening Date

Asheville, N.C. – The community here is buzzing with a mix of apprehension and hope regarding the reopening of schools following the extensive damage inflicted by Hurricane Helene. The storm has left **_many areas struggling with basic resources_**, particularly when it comes to access to clean water.

On Friday, October 11, district leaders met in emergency sessions to tackle the urgent challenges that have arisen. Schools in Asheville and Buncombe County have been closed for two weeks and will remain shuttered until officials can ensure there is adequate water for students and staff. The most pressing issue at hand is how to supply thousands of students with safe drinking water and sufficient facilities for sanitation.

Efforts Underway to Provide Safe Water

Asheville City Schools Superintendent _Maggie Fehrman_ has her sights set on reopening by _October 28_. However, she is clear that these plans are still very much in **_flux_**. “We are actively working on plans to get back in the buildings, but it’s important to remember that things can change from day to day,” she explained at a recent meeting.

To address the immediate need for water, large tanks that have been donated to the schools might be installed. Shawn Fields, who is leading initiatives to restore water access to schools, shared that the plan involves having these _large water tanks_ positioned at each school. This will provide potable water, but there are some nuances involved. For example, schools like Asheville Middle and High School may need additional support as they consume more than _6,000 gallons_ of water daily, exceeding the capacity of the water tanks.

Supplementing Water Needs

If the water demand exceeds what the tanks can supply, Fields has proposed using well water. However, this introduces another layer of complexity. Testing has indicated that differences between the PH levels in groundwater and the city’s municipal water could lead to the leaching of **_harmful metals_** from pipes. Therefore, water from the middle and high schools may not be safe for drinking, which would necessitate using bottled water instead.

Challenges for Buncombe County Schools

Meanwhile, the situation is similar for Buncombe County Schools. As Superintendent _Dr. Rob Jackson_ pointed out, half of their school buildings currently lack running water. While they are utilizing donated water tanks like Asheville City Schools, Jackson chose not to set a firm return date for students, stating, “I don’t want to promise a date and not be able to meet that deadline.”

Buncombe County is also appealing for additional resources. The district has requested _240 restroom trailers_ to assist during this recovery phase and is working through the Emergency Operations Center. However, sourcing these vital resources is proving to be a difficult task given the aftermath of Helene and Milton.

Community Support and Recovery Efforts

The sense of community is strong in Asheville, and efforts to return to normalcy are in full swing. School leaders are collaborating tirelessly to explore all possible options, driven by the understanding that education is crucial for students. For now, both districts are focused on their best strategies to restore functionality in school buildings and get kids back in classrooms where they belong.

We continue to hope for the best and eagerly await further updates from district leaders. As always, the Asheville community is coming together in this challenging time, showing resilience and determination that reflects the spirit of this vibrant area. With plans brewing and a collective determination, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel for schools in Asheville and Buncombe County.