Residents of Asheville Come Together to Tackle Water Crisis After Helene
Asheville, N.C. – More than two weeks have passed since Helene swept through Western North Carolina, and thousands of residents are still grappling with a lack of running water. This ongoing issue has made it tough for families to handle basic daily needs such as taking showers, washing hands, and flushing toilets. In the face of this challenge, a compassionate group in Asheville is stepping in to help those in need.
Elle DeBruhl, who noticed the desperate circumstances, realized there was a pressing demand for non-potable flushing water. “My husband and I recognized immediately the need for this critical resource,” DeBruhl shared. Fueled by a strong sense of community, she began driving around with large containers of water to neighborhoods where residents were unable to flush their toilets. As she carried out her mission, she soon crossed paths with others who were also striving to provide assistance.
Molly Black, another community member, remarked on the lengths people were going to help their neighbors. “Individuals were trying to help their neighbors, crawling into creeks and hurting themselves because a 5-gallon bucket is about 40 pounds,” she said. The duo quickly decided to join forces, and thus Flush AVL was born.
A Community Response to a Critical Need
“We’re a group of community members that have come together to solve this most critical problem that Asheville has with their flushing water needs,” DeBruhl explained, highlighting the spirit of cooperation that has emerged. Flush AVL takes large containers into various neighborhoods, fills them with gray water from local ponds and creeks, and allows residents to fill up their own containers for flushing toilets.
Black mentioned the innovative use of a GIS mapping system created by her colleagues at the American Cancer Society to track where help is needed most. “We’re seeing this amazing map that shows areas with access to flushing water alongside those requesting it,” she pointed out. The map also helps identify populations that may be underserved, helping them strategize their outreach.
Providing More Than Just Water
Starting with a focus on public housing, senior housing, and low-income communities, Flush AVL has deployed approximately 400 totes throughout Asheville. These totes, known as Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs), can hold between 250 and 300 gallons of water. While bottled water is readily available for drinking, DeBruhl stressed how many people don’t realize it can take between 3 to 5 gallons to flush a toilet.
Volunteers at Flush AVL emphasize that providing flushing water isn’t just about convenience; it’s a matter of health and sanitation. Dan Bright, who has experience in emergency medicine, explained, “Your main concern ends up being the spread of transmissible diseases. Some of which would be classified as basic diarrhea, but you can end up with cholera, typhoid—things like that.” He also noted that the risk of these ailments can surge within vulnerable populations, including the young and old.
Bright, originally from Tennessee, has been using a donated water tank to fill the totes. He and other team members agree that delivering flushing water serves to restore dignity to the affected residents. “Walking into the communities and seeing community members running up to our trucks, waiting to get this water, thanking us for making them feel human again,” DeBruhl said.
How You Can Help
If you or someone you know is in need of flushing water, you can request a tote. Additionally, the community initiative is always seeking volunteers and donations to continue their essential work. As Asheville stands together during this challenging time, the spirit of community shines brightly, reminding everyone that even in the toughest situations, compassion prevails.
