Asheville Water Restoration Efforts Yield Progress Amid Ongoing Challenges

Asheville Water Restoration Makes Progress

Asheville, a vibrant city nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is witnessing a gradual return to regular water service as approximately 75 to 80 percent of its water customers have regained access, albeit to non-potable water that contains some sedimentation. During the morning briefing on Wednesday, a representative from Asheville Water Resources, Clay Chandler, provided an update on the ongoing efforts to restore water service to the city’s 63,000 customers.

A Careful Return to Service

According to Chandler, while a comprehensive map displayed indicates that water has returned to many areas of Asheville, it is important to note that there are still pockets of customers without service. “This map shows we’ve made significant progress,” he said, adding a crucial point about the ongoing boil water notice in effect across the city. “We are working on expanding service as our system continues to recover.”

The restoration process is especially challenging for areas at higher elevations, which tend to take longer to receive service due to the configuration of the water tanks and the pump stations. Chandler explained that “we can’t just flip a switch” for these locations. There’s often air in the water lines that must be bled off first to avoid damaging expensive pumping equipment.

Clearing the Water Supply

Concerning the quality of water, Chandler stated that it will take more time before the supply is free of sediment. The city is actively addressing the issue of murky water caused by the heavy rains of September 27. The primary reservoir, North Fork, experienced significant disturbances from the rain, leading to the clay particles being stirred up and making the water less clear.

To rectify this situation, several large containers of a treatment mineral known as aluminum sulfate have been brought to the reservoir. Chandler explained that this mineral helps coagulate clay particles, allowing them to sink and clear the water for filtering. They also plan to treat the water with caustic soda, which regulates the pH level for optimal chemical effectiveness.

Ensuring Safety During Treatment

When asked about the potential for lead leaching into the system due to increased chemical usage, Chandler reassured the public. “We regularly use these chemicals,” he said. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has requested a lead testing plan, which the city is preparing to implement as a precautionary measure. According to Chandler, in normal operations, aluminum sulfate treatments range from 3 to 4 parts per million, but for the current reservoir treatment, it has been increased to 10 parts per million.

Although the change might sound alarming, Chandler clarified that many reservoirs dealing with high turbidity frequently use treatments well beyond this level. “Some can reach as high as 60 parts per million,” he noted, emphasizing that the current water does not meet EPA standards for safe drinking.

A Reminder on Usage

For those receiving the current water supply, it’s essential to remember that it may have a brown tint due to suspended clay particles, thus requiring flushing before use. “We recommend turning on an outdoor hose or bathtub faucet for about 15 minutes to let the water clear,” Chandler advised.

The department conducts over 40 tests daily at various sites to monitor levels of chlorine, coliform, E. coli, and manganese. “Our results have fallen within parameters for these tests,” Chandler assured the community. Nevertheless, because of the hyper-chlorination process currently being utilized, the chlorine levels are elevated but remain within safe operational limits.

Ongoing Restoration Efforts

As Asheville works diligently to restore potable water, Chandler highlighted significant steps taken to expedite recovery. The city is also implementing a curtain system in the reservoir to manage sedimentation, although delivery is delayed due to recent weather events in Florida.

Many homes in areas like Eastmoor and Bee Tree are still without water due to larger infrastructure impacts from the storm. Contractors are on-site to establish temporary lines to troubleshoot the district’s needs during the restoration efforts.

What Residents Need to Know

A boil water notice remains in effect for all customers. To ensure safety, all water intended for consumption should be boiled for at least one minute first. Water can still be used for handwashing, showering, and laundry— provided certain precautions are followed. For instance, dishes should be cleaned in a dishwasher that reaches a minimum temperature of 170 degrees.

Rest assured, the city is working hard to bring the situation back to normal, and their comprehensive testing and treatment approaches will ensure everyone can safely return to enjoying the clear, clean water Asheville is known for.