Black Mountain Community Rallies as Boil Water Notice is Announced

Black Mountain Enters Boil Water Notice

Welcome to Black Mountain, where the community is coming together as we navigate through some recent challenges. As of 6 p.m. October 17, the town has officially announced a boil water notice for all water customers, a decision shared by Town Manager Josh Harrold during a lively community meeting at Town Square. As he revealed this news, a wave of cheers and support erupted from those gathered, highlighting the town’s resilient spirit.

What You Need to Know About the Boil Water Notice

So, what exactly does this boil water notice mean for you? In simple terms, it’s essential to boil water vigorously for at least one minute before drinking it or using it in cooking. This precaution will ensure that your water is safe for consumption. However, Harrold also provided some good news – it’s perfectly alright to shower and do laundry with the water as it has been treated at the North Fork reservoir.

If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed about this, Harrold kindly recommends that residents flush their water systems before turning on their hot water heaters to ensure everything is operating smoothly. Although there’s still a lot to be done, the community is impressively working together to bounce back.

Sanitation Services Resuming

In addition to the water situation, another piece of good news was shared at the meeting: trash and recycling pick-up will resume on the regular schedule starting October 21. Harrold acknowledged the hard work of the sanitation and public works departments during this challenging time. Since only one of the three town-owned sanitation trucks is currently operational, he mentioned that the town is renting two trucks to help manage the operations.

“We have worked day in and day out to make this happen,” he said, emphasizing the collective effort made by the community to improve the situation day by day.

Community Call for Vigilance

Furthermore, Fire Chief John Coffey took the opportunity to address the residents about the onset of fire season in our beautiful Western North Carolina. He urged everyone to be vigilant and mindful, especially since the downed trees and debris from Tropical Storm Helene pose fire hazards, calling them “just kindling waiting to be lit”. To ensure safety, he kindly asked residents to refrain from open burning during this sensitive time.

Halloween Festivities with a Twist

With Halloween just around the corner, Mayor Michael Sobol and Police Chief Steve Parker brought exciting updates regarding Halloween plans. The town will be hosting a family-friendly event in Town Square instead of the traditional Church Street spot, prioritizing community safety as some areas are still recovering from storm damage.

Parker reassured everyone that while the Halloween festivities may look a bit different this year, they promise to be “amazing”. There will be plenty of fun and engaging activities for families to enjoy together, so be sure to join in!

Support Local Businesses

As recovery efforts continue, Harrold also reminded residents to remember the downtown businesses that are still facing challenges after Helene. “They’re very important, just like the tourists that come to this town,” he said. “We are working to get open as soon as we can.” Supporting these local businesses is crucial for the community’s resilience and recovery.

In conclusion, Black Mountain is facing some bumps in the road, but what stands out most is the unwavering spirit of the community. Let’s make sure we stay safe, support one another, and continue to enjoy everything this amazing town has to offer. Together, we can overcome whatever challenges come our way!