Asheville Takes Major Step in Water Crisis Recovery with Reconnection of Bypass Line

Asheville Faces Water Crisis Recovery

Asheville, N.C. is taking significant strides towards recovery after suffering from a water crisis sparked by the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. City officials recently announced that a crucial 36-inch bypass line, which suffered damage during the storm, has been successfully reconnected. The hard work of T&K Utilities and Tennoca Construction paid off as they completed the vital task just after midnight on Thursday morning. This reconnecting of the line located just outside the North Fork Reservoir marks a hopeful turning point for many residents and businesses in the area.

A Glimmer of Hope for Buncombe County

The re-establishment of the bypass line is especially significant for over 70% of Buncombe County and the city of Asheville still grappling with water shortages. While this step is a welcome relief, officials have cautioned that it doesn’t mean immediate access to water for everyone just yet. The progress at the North Fork Reservoir is encouraging, but the city still has a substantial amount of work ahead.

For many small business owners, particularly restaurant operators, the ongoing water crisis has put their livelihoods at risk. Billy Klingel, who runs a restaurant in West Asheville, shared his frustration with the current situation. “This is the perfect people-watching spot,” said Klingel, pointing to his empty tables and chairs where customers would typically gather.

Challenges for Local Restaurants

Though the Oyster House Brewing Company has had power for nearly a week, their doors remain closed because they cannot serve food without water. “We cannot sell you any food until we have water, and I get it, it makes sense for health reasons,” Klingel noted, emphasizing that his hands are tied until the situation improves.

The longer the water restrictions stay in place, the harder it becomes for local businesses. “We need revenue and the only way that’s going to happen is if I can start selling you beer and wine once I have a porta-potty delivered, but that’s more of almost a hobby,” he added with a sigh. The struggles for business owners like him are compounded by not only the lack of water but the need for inspections, which are currently suspended in the wake of this crisis.

Ongoing Recovery Efforts

While the reconnection of the bypass line is a significant milestone, city officials remind residents that there are still hurdles to overcome. “Our North Fork Water treatment plant is now reconnected to the water distribution system. This is a significant milestone in the process to begin restoring water,” said Ben Woody, the Assistant City Manager of Asheville, during an update meeting.

Klingel couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief at the news, letting out a fist pump of excitement. “Great news!” he exclaimed. Only a few days prior, the state of the bypass line seemed far from resolution, with city workers needing to lay nearly a football field’s worth of pipe.

Looking Forward

With the bypass lines now back in service, the focus is shifting to addressing the main water transmission lines that will connect to the distribution system. Clay Chandler, the city’s Water Resources Public Information Officer, explained the reality of their situation. The storm flipped the reservoir, disturbing sediment that must settle before any treated water can be released.

The road to recovery will take time, and Chandler noted that certain sections of the distribution system may need to be entirely rebuilt. Despite the challenges, Klingel remains cautiously optimistic. “It’s not awesome, but I’d like to think— I’m very optimistic for so many of us that we’re going to be able to bounce back from this,” he shared, capturing the essence of resilience that defines Asheville’s community spirit.

The city is clearly hard at work to restore vital services, and while there are several challenges ahead, the efforts being made today are shaping a path to recovery for Asheville and the surrounding Buncombe County.