Asheville Declares Water Supply Contaminant-Free After Hurricane Helene

Asheville’s Water Supply Free from Contaminants Following Hurricane Helene

Asheville residents, there’s good news swirling through the air! After weeks of uncertainty and caution, the City of Asheville Water Resources Department has announced that our beloved water supply is finally free from contaminants. This declaration came down at 1:10 p.m. on November 18, 2024, marking the end of the “boil water advisory” that was put in place after Hurricane Helene battered our region on September 27, 2024.

Celebrating a Swift Recovery

It’s been just over seven weeks since Hurricane Helene left a trail of devastation across Western North Carolina, yet the Water Resources Department has worked tirelessly to restore safe drinking water to the community. Laboratory tests conducted on November 16 and 17 yielded the impressive results that confirmed our water is secure and safe for all uses. On their website, the department resonated a warm message to citizens: “Customers may resume normal usage of the water system.” Now you can sip your morning coffee without a second thought and cook those family meals using tap water!

What You Need to Know

While this announcement is a reason to celebrate, the Water Resources Department also provided some friendly reminders for residents. For anyone whose plumbing was installed before 1988, it’s always a good practice to flush your cold-water tap for at least 30 seconds before using it. This precaution is crucial because lead piping existed in homes until a federal ban was enacted back in 1988. Lead can lead to serious health concerns, especially affecting the young ones in our community.

As we all rejoice in the clear waters, the department has encouraged folks to temporarily refrain from large-volume water activities, like filling up bathtubs or lengthy showers. This little step will help the system bounce back to normal delivery levels, further ensuring the community remains hydrated and happy.

Time to Make a Splash!

With the news that our water is back to being fresh and clean for drinking, cooking, bathing, and laundry, you can also get those filtered appliances back in action. If you’ve switched off your water heater or icemaker, now’s the time to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for bringing them back to life. It’s a fresh start for many Asheville families just in time for the Thanksgiving holidays!

A Job Well Done

This swift recovery couldn’t have been realized without the ongoing efforts of dedicated public service employees. After the water outage a few years back in South Asheville, the Water Resources Department learned the importance of transparency and cautiously managing expectations. This season, not only did they beat their projected timeline, but they did so while efficiently repairing a water system that suffered significantly more damage from the hurricane.

The success of this restoration stands as a testament to what dedicated public service can accomplish, shutting down the naysayers who claim that government is only a problem. For years, public officials have faced a challenging narrative, but thanks to the diligence of folks like Water Services Director David Melton and his team, Asheville is celebrating its success.

In Closing

So here’s to Asheville’s Water Resources Department and all of the amazing workers and contractors who contributed to this major milestone. Your hard work didn’t go unnoticed, and we thank you for bringing us back to safe water! If you are looking for more information or have any questions about the restoration, don’t hesitate to check the website or call the provided number. Here’s to clear waters and grateful hearts this holiday season!