Water Main Break Disrupts Businesses, Damages Vehicles at Asheville Shopping Plaza

Asheville, N.C. – An unforeseen water main break surged into the River Ridge plaza, disturbing an array of business operations and causing significant damage to multiple vehicles parked at the site.

Influence on Local Businesses

The water break, which occurred in the late afternoon hours, severely affected several enterprises within the plaza, including the Asheville Humane Thrift Store. Caitlin Bingham, a store employee, expressed her shock and concern, recounting how a colleague notified her about the unplanned incident.

“It was around 4:30 p.m. and I was in the back in the clothing area steaming clothes when my co-worker came back kind of excited and asked me where I had parked my car. I usually park right out front and she was worried about my vehicle. Luckily, I was not out front today. She then showed me a video of what was going on so I went to see for myself, ” said Bingham.

Significant Damages to Vehicles

The sudden rupture of the water main profoundly impacted a number of vehicles close to the site. Extensive damages were reported, ranging from interior waterlogging to shattered windshields. One local resident, Maia, spent an hour on a call with her auto insurance company, filing a claims report due to her broken windshield.

In response to the emergency, Asheville city fire officials alongside maintenance crews were quickly dispatched to the site. The timeframe for the repairs and restoration of services, however, is still undetermined.

Possible Causes of the Break

Clay Chandler, the public information officer for the City of Asheville Water Resources Department, pointed out potential reasons for the incident.

“Factors like topography and the age of the underground water infrastructure could have precipitated the break. Some regions of the city have significantly varying elevations. Plus, much of our underground water infrastructure, including the water main which broke, is over 50 years old and has remained in the ground for decades,” Chandler explained.

The break reportedly left nearby businesses without water, posing challenges and significant inconvenience. Chandler said, “Some businesses in the vicinity are reportedly out of water.”

Businesses Bracing For The Worst

In the face of this chaos, local businesses like the Asheville Humane Thrift Store are preparing for potential extended disruptions. “We filled up our buckets just in case we wouldn’t have water. My boss went and bought several gallons of water, just in case,” Bingham shared.