News release from the City of Asheville:
North Asheville and West Asheville began receiving water on Tuesday, providing water service to the two areas of the city that had not previously received service.
Water service expanding through the City
Service in all areas will expand as tanks are filled, pump stations are activated and water pipe breaks or leaks are found and repaired. Homes and businesses in higher elevations will receive service after areas in lower elevations.There are areas that still need significant repair to the water lines before service returns.
Water service for Eastmoor Neighborhood
Helene washed out the 6-inch line that serves the Eastmoor neighborhood. Contractors from TP Howard arrived on site Wednesday to begin installing a temporary line that will provide reduced water pressure to roughly 75 homes in that area while a permanent water pipe is put in place. Homes in the lower elevations of Eastmoor will receive service before homes in the higher elevations. After flushing sediment, homes in the lower elevations should employ water conservation measures to ensure homes in higher elevations can receive water.
Water service for Bee Tree
A water pipe that serves about 40 homes in the Bee Tree area will require backfilling for stabilization before it can handle water pressure. Water Resources crews should complete that either late today or first thing tomorrow.
Sediment remediation in North Fork Reservoir
The in-lake sediment treatment process at North Fork began Tuesday afternoon, in an effort to clear the highly murky water in the reservoir. Standard water treatment chemicals are being used to help bind with the sediment in order to remove it from the water.
Boil Water Notice
Water Resources issued a Boil Water Notice to all customers, including those served by Mills River. This was done out of an abundance of caution, as North Fork is online and there are zones, especially along the service boundaries, where water from the two plants can potentially mix.
The bottom line for all customers is the same: Any water intended for consumption (drinking, cooking, brushing teeth) should be boiled for at least one minute beforehand. Water out of the tap is safe for handwashing (unless hands are being cleaned for food preparation), showering (be careful not to swallow water while showering) and laundry. It is safe for washing dishes, as long as a dishwasher’s temperature reaches a minimum of 170 degrees, which typically happens when the “sanitize” setting is activated.
A comprehensive list of frequently asked questions can be found here.
The public is encouraged to visit the City’s recovery resources page and news update page.
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