Asheville Has Clean Water, 7 Weeks After Helene
City tests show no detections of fecal contamination in Asheville water
After seven weeks of precautionary boil water advisories, the city of Asheville announced today that its water is once again safe to drink.
The announcement comes after the city conducted extensive testing of its water system and found no detections of fecal contamination.
Water safe to drink, but boil water advisory still in effect for some areas
While the water is safe to drink, the boil water advisory remains in effect for some areas of the city that are still being repaired.
The city is asking residents in these areas to continue to boil their water until further notice.
The city will continue to monitor its water system and will lift the boil water advisory for the remaining areas as soon as it is safe to do so.
Timeline of events
- August 17: Tropical Storm Helene makes landfall in North Carolina, bringing heavy rains to Asheville.
- August 18: The city of Asheville issues a boil water advisory for the entire city.
- September 29: The city of Asheville lifts the boil water advisory for most of the city.
- October 6: The city of Asheville lifts the boil water advisory for the remaining areas of the city.
What caused the boil water advisory?
The boil water advisory was issued after heavy rains from Tropical Storm Helene caused the Swannanoa River to overflow its banks and flood the city's water treatment plant.
The flooding caused the plant to lose power and become inoperable.
The city was able to restore power to the plant and begin treating water again on August 19.
How did the city respond to the boil water advisory?
The city responded to the boil water advisory by:
- Issuing a boil water advisory for the entire city.
- Setting up water distribution points throughout the city.
- Conducting extensive testing of its water system.
- Repairing the damaged water treatment plant.
- Lifting the boil water advisory for most of the city on September 29.
- Lifting the boil water advisory for the remaining areas of the city on October 6.
What can residents do to stay safe?
Residents in the areas that are still under a boil water advisory should continue to boil their water before drinking it.
Boiling water kills bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause illness.
Residents can also use bottled water for drinking, cooking, and brushing their teeth.
When will the boil water advisory be lifted?
The city will continue to monitor its water system and will lift the boil water advisory for the remaining areas as soon as it is safe to do so.
The city will notify residents when the boil water advisory is lifted.
