Asheville Students Prepare for Campus Return as Temporary Water System is Installed

Asheville Students Get Ready to Return to Campus with Temporary Water System

As Asheville, North Carolina, faces a challenging water situation, UNC-Asheville is stepping up to bring students back to campus. After a month of grappling with the lack of water, Chancellor Kim van Noort announced that the university is setting up a temporary water system that will allow residential students to return. Talk about a sigh of relief!

Temporary Solutions with a Big Helping Hand

This last month has been quite the rollercoaster for the university. Students have been feeling the impact of the water crisis, and the university has been brainstorming solutions. Luckily, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers came to the rescue and shared a plan that could potentially change everything. Col. Cullen A. Jones, the 65th Commander and District Engineer for the New Orleans District, shared that they’ve worked hard to bring in a team of experts who have experience with temporary potable drinking water systems after extreme weather events.

“We’ve had a team in Asheville for about three weeks, scouting out how we can lend a hand,” Col. Jones said, showcasing the collaborative spirit that shines in tough times. The idea is to take nonpotable water from the City of Asheville and treat it so that it becomes safe for drinking. The process involves removing sediment, odors, tastes, and any metals that shouldn’t be there — it sounds like every family’s wish for their kitchen tap!

Excited for Safe Water on Campus

The good news? The temporary water treatment plant is set up, and the university anticipates being able to welcome students back to campus next week. “We’re really looking forward to the first bit of water coming out of the system,” Chancellor van Noort shared, her excitement palpable. Starting Monday, online classes will commence, but she assures students that the campus won’t entirely be closed.

Even though they still can’t provide enough water for the whole campus yet, they plan to open key buildings like the library for students living off-campus, giving them a place to study with reliable internet access. “And they can grab a meal in the cafeteria too!” she added cheerfully. Moving on to the hands-on learning experience, they’re prioritizing the reopening of facilities that support classes in subjects like pottery and music, giving creative students a chance to get back into their groove.

Support Services Still Up and Running

The faculty will also be present on campus, ready to support their students with one-on-one meetings. The health center will remain operational, offering essential services to the student body. It’s reassuring to know that while classes might be online, support for students continues strong on campus.

According to Tyler Baggett, a Civil Engineer and Project Manager with the Corps of Engineers, the temporary water system will have round-the-clock monitoring. “We’re here for a minimum of six months, or longer if necessary, while the city starts producing potable water again,” Baggett explained. It’s all about helping students regain something akin to normalcy. It’s especially important for those who are in their final semester and might feel the weight of being stuck at home.

Looking Ahead

Parts for this crucial water treatment plant are expected to be fully assembled by Friday, October 24. With plans already in place for students to return to their dorms next week, there’s finally a light at the end of the tunnel. The community remains hopeful and excited as they navigate these challenges together.

So, cheers to Asheville! With the collaboration of many, students will soon find their way back to campus where they can feel a sense of normality and continue pursuing their academic journeys.