Asheville Makes Progress in Water Quality Recovery Following Tropical Storm Helene

Asheville’s Recovery Journey: Updates on Water Quality and Community Support

Asheville, N.C. – Just under two months ago, the city faced the wrath of Tropical Storm Helene, which left significant impacts on both the environment and local businesses. As we stand today, Asheville is making bold strides towards recovery, with crucial updates coming from local leaders regarding the efforts underway.

49 Days of Emergency Recovery Response

It’s now day 49 of the emergency recovery response, and officials are pressing on with the vital work needed to restore the community’s water supply. The City of Asheville has launched its third round of treatments at the North Fork Reservoir as part of its ongoing efforts. On November 13, crews began using aluminum sulfate to tackle the high levels of sediment that have been clouding the water supply. The level of turbidity, which measures how murky the water is, currently sits at 14.8, but there are signs of improvement.

According to Clay Chandler, a public information officer from the City of Asheville’s Water Resources Department, “We’re very, very encouraged that turbidity is continuing to fall. We think this latest round of in-reservoir treatment that started today will continue to help that process.” This progress is welcomed news for residents who have been coping with the consequences of the storm.

Water Safety and Boil Advisory

Despite the ongoing recovery efforts, it’s important to note that all City of Asheville water customers are still under a boil water notice. Officials are cautioning that it may be until mid-December before drinkable water is consistently flowing throughout the system. This means residents should continue to use bottled water or boil their tap water for cooking and drinking purposes until further notice.

Chandler confirmed that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers pre-treatment team visited the site just recently and preparations for rebuilding materials began arriving on November 12. While this process is crucial, officials estimate it could take weeks to fully complete the necessary restoration of water quality.

Community Support and Local Business Impact

In the meantime, the local community is rallying together – not just for water safety but also in support of small businesses affected by the storm. Many shops and services have had trouble due to the road closures, particularly on South Tunnel Road, which has disrupted access and foot traffic. Local leaders are urging residents to shop local and support their neighbors during these tough times.

Recognizing the challenge that small businesses are facing, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has announced a funding initiative that will provide $5 million in grants to help those directly affected by Helene. This generous offer is a lifeline for many, and business owners are encouraged to research the application process to avail themselves of this opportunity.

Ongoing Community Care Efforts

To help with the recovery, water distribution sites and community care centers remain open across the city. Residents can access clean water and other essential resources from various locations. If anyone is interested in seeing the latest water sampling test results, they can check the Water Resources department’s webpage for real-time updates and information.

Looking Ahead

As Asheville continues to navigate this recovery journey, it’s heartwarming to see the community come together for one another. With the combination of dedicated officials, supportive organizations, and proactive citizens, Asheville shows resilience in face of adversity. As we all pitch in during this time, let’s hold onto hope and keep striving for a brighter, cleaner future for our beautiful city.