Water Woes in Asheville: A Cautious Return to Normalcy
Asheville, N.C. is finally seeing a glimmer of hope as water slowly begins to flow back into the homes of many residents. It’s been a challenging couple of weeks, to say the least, and while the relief is palpable, there are still important things to keep in mind as folks move to restore their routines.
The New Normal
For Asheville residents Nancy Richards and Mark Threlkeld, the past weeks have been filled with improvisation and bottled water. They’ve had to keep a hefty supply of water on hand — about 15 gallons of “flushable” water to keep their toilets operational, along with additional gallons of drinking water and water for cooking. “Fill one toilet, come back, fill another,” Threlkeld explained, sharing their makeshift routine. But on Sunday, their lives took a turn for the better when their water finally came back. “It’s like I’m holding the Statue of Liberty or something! We’ve got water!” Threlkeld exclaimed excitedly as he sprayed water into the air.
Staying Cautious with Water Use
However, before residents can return to using water as they normally would, they need to tread carefully. Both Richards and Threlkeld emphasize that for now, they plan to use their water solely for flushing toilets. “We’re not going to use it for other purposes until it cleans up,” Threlkeld mentioned, noting the cloudy appearance and visible particles in the water. This caution stems from an explanation by Ben Woody, the assistant city manager, during a Buncombe County briefing. He pointed out that dirt and sediment had entered the water supply due to broken distribution lines, making it especially important to flush the lines for at least 15 minutes when water is restored.
Water Quality Alerts
Despite the water flow returning, there are still key advisories in place. Anyone receiving water from the North Fork Reservoir is under a boil water notice, and those who rely on Mills River water are under a boil water advisory. This means residents are encouraged to stick to bottled water for drinking, cooking, and brushing their teeth. If bottled water isn’t an option, officials recommend boiling water for at least one minute before consumption. Fortunately, the water is safe for handwashing, showering, and doing laundry, but it’s crucial to avoid drinking it for the time being.
Monitoring the Situation
Richards expressed relief at having the option of having water again, saying, “We thought it was still going to be weeks and weeks.” Woody assured residents that they’re actively working to ensure safety in the water distribution lines. With their water resources department capable of flowing 12 million gallons per day back into the system, pressure was being applied to aid in flushing the water and providing it for other uses. He also mentioned that they are using highly chlorinated water in efforts to enhance disinfection.
The Way Forward
Good news is also that clean water has returned to the local streams! Woody shared that a focused team conducts bacteriological testing every day to guarantee that expanding water supplies from the reservoir are as safe as possible. As of Sunday, they’ve successfully supplied water west of Swannanoa, a significant milestone in their efforts.
“We’ll begin operating pump stations as we work toward higher elevation areas,” Woody explained. He reminded everyone that this restoration will be a gradual process. Given that Asheville’s water system includes 54 pressure zones and an extensive network of city pipes spanning 1,800 miles, it’s a big job to ensure everything is filled and functioning properly.
Community Support
If residents notice any water main breaks during this time, Woody encourages them to report it immediately to the local water customer service number at 828-251-1122. It’s all hands on deck as Asheville navigates this challenging water situation together while adapting to their new normal.
As residents look forward to the day they can confidently use their water again, the spirit of community holds strong. Together, Asheville is rising from the difficulties brought on by the recent hurricane and learning to stay resilient in the face of such challenges.
