Emergency Water Advisory in Asheville and Hendersonville Due to Tropical Storm Helene
As residents of Asheville and Hendersonville wake up to the after-effects of Tropical Storm Helene, the local water authorities are urging everyone to take necessary precautions regarding their water usage. The storm has left many in Buncombe County facing low water pressure and, in some cases, outages in the distribution system. This can breed concern as the low pressure could potentially lead to back siphonage, and unfortunately, this means there’s a risk of harmful bacteria finding their way into the water supply.
What You Need to Know
For all Asheville water consumers, officials are advising that if you have access to tap water, it should be boiled thoroughly before using it for any purpose—this includes drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, and even washing dishes or preparing food. The boiling should last at least one full minute to be effective in killing any kind of bacteria that may be present. So, if you’re ever in doubt, remember: better safe than sorry! If for any reason you find yourself without power during this situation, bottled water becomes your best friend for those essential uses.
Plus, don’t forget the importance of water conservation. This situation can be a bit overwhelming, but every small effort counts. Aim to reduce your water usage whenever you can as the city’s resources are stretched at the moment.
Hendersonville’s Efforts
Furthermore, the storm has disabled the Mills River intake, which means that the capacity to treat water has been significantly reduced. City crews are eager to restore intake operations as soon as they can safely access the area. Residents have certainly been more than patient, and the city appreciates their cooperation and understanding as they navigate these unprecedented times. So the word is out: conserve, conserve, conserve!
Tips for Water Conservation
Here are some quick tips to help stretch your resources:
- Limit toilet flushing: Try to be conservative and flush only when absolutely necessary.
- Take shorter showers: Baths can use a lot more water; why not take a quick shower instead?
- Turn off taps: Remember to shut off the water while brushing your teeth, shaving, or washing dishes.
- Fix leaks immediately: A dripping faucet can waste more water than you realize.
- Limit cooking water: Use just enough water for cooking, and try to reuse it where you can.
- Delay laundry: Hold off on doing laundry, and when you do, try to run full loads.
- Opt for water-saving devices: If possible, use devices that reduce water flow.
- Disposable plates and utensils: If you can, consider temporary use of biodegradable or disposable dishes.
Stay Informed
As things continue to develop, both Asheville and Hendersonville are committed to keeping their residents informed. Updates will be communicated via local notification systems and posted on official city websites. Keeping track of water advisories will ensure you stay safe and healthy!
In the meantime, let’s band together as a community and support one another through these turbulent times. We might face challenges, but with a little patience and cooperation, we can navigate through this storm. Take care, everyone!
