Asheville Faces Ongoing Water Crisis Post-Tropical Storm Helene

Asheville Still Struggling for Clean Water After Tropical Storm Helene

It has been more than a month since Tropical Storm Helene swept through Asheville, North Carolina, leaving many residents grappling with a significant water crisis. The storm wreaked havoc throughout the region, churning up sediment in the North Fork Reservoir, which is crucial for the city’s water supply.

Water Quality Concerns

As of this week, most people in Asheville still can’t drink the tap water without boiling it first! The storm stirred up so much sediment that the reservoir, which typically serves around 80% of Asheville’s water customers, is still brown and murky. This sediment-laden water can potentially contain harmful microorganisms, putting residents at risk of illnesses like diarrhea, nausea, and headaches.

Earlier efforts this month to clear the water by introducing chemicals into the reservoir didn’t produce the desired results, resulting in ongoing alerts for residents to boil their water. The city’s water department, aware of the urgency, recently introduced a new strategy aimed at addressing this crisis.

New Filtration Strategy

This week, Asheville’s water team began installing a 500-foot-long filtration curtain in the North Fork Reservoir. This innovative approach is intended to create a pocket of clearer water that will allow for more effective application of treatment chemicals. Clay Chandler, a spokesperson for the Water Resources Department, mentioned, “Never having done this before, we’re kind of learning as we go.” It’s clear that this situation is proving to be a learning experience for the city’s water management.

Temporary Fixes and Ongoing Efforts

It took weeks of effort, but the city has restored non-drinkable water to nearly all of its 63,000 customers. This water, although heavily chlorinated and pale yellow, can be used for showers, laundry, and flushing toilets. However, the city emphasizes that this water is not safe for drinking or cooking.

The Challenges Ahead

The filtration system at the North Fork Reservoir was originally designed to handle clear water from its forested watershed. The complications arose when the intense flooding from Helene introduced unprecedented sediment levels. Earlier in October, aluminum sulfate was added to the water in an attempt to clear it; however, this also did not yield satisfactory results.

This week, a contractor from Georgia was brought in to spray additional aluminum sulfate into the water in the hopes of improving clarity. If successful, this could allow a much-needed pocket of clearer water to flow into the treatment plant. However, the city’s officials anticipate it could be up to three weeks before drinkable water returns to residents’ taps.

What’s Next for Asheville?

Asheville residents can expect updates by next Monday regarding the effectiveness of the new filtration curtain strategy. If sediment levels decrease significantly, more aluminum sulfate will be applied in order to clean the water sufficiently for treatment. However, if this method doesn’t provide results, Chandler assured the public that they will collaborate with the Army Corps of Engineers and other outside experts to explore alternative treatment options.

Looking to the Future

It’s certainly a challenging time for Asheville, and while community members are being proactive in finding solutions, they’re also hopeful that the city’s water department can overcome these obstacles. The city’s approach to using so-called “turbidity curtains” has proven effective in other locations, such as New York City’s Kensico Reservoir. Those familiar with the technology believe that if they’re designed properly, they can effectively manage and control sediment.

As the community waits for a resolution, everyone in Asheville hopes for clarity—both in terms of their water and the situation as a whole. With determination and teamwork, it’s likely that this vibrant city can bounce back, even stronger.