Erwin Utilities provides Saturday update on service restoration

ERWIN, Tenn. (WJHL) — Erwin Utilities provided an update on its electric, water, wastewater and fiber restoration efforts on Saturday evening.

Severe flooding due to Hurricane Helene tore through the region, leaving hundreds displaced, dozens initially reported missing and several dead.

Electric

A release from the company said power has been restored to the following areas: Temple Hill, Lower Higgins Creek, Clear Branch, Gilbert Branch, Mill Creek, Hickory Hollow, River Rd, Sandy Bottom, and Chestoa west of Chestoa Bridge.

Power is expected to be restored to the Embreeville, Bumpus Cove and Little Germany areas by early next week, according to the utility district.

An estimated time of restoration for the Unaka Springs and Jones Branch areas was not available.

“Due to the extensive damage of the power lines, water lines, and wastewater lines, we cannot give any estimate of the time it will take to rebuild the infrastructure along S Industrial Drive,” the release states.

Those still without power in areas excluding Embreeville, Bumpus Cove, Little Germany, Unaka Springs or Jones Branch are asked to contact the utility district immediately at (423) 743-1820 or customerservice@e-u.cc.

There were 332 customers without power as of Saturday evening, according to Erwin Utilities.

The company added that all electrical panels that have been under water due to the flood must be inspected. Customers that this applies to are asked to email the State Electrical Inspection team at bruce.shelton@tn.gov to get an electrical safety inspection completed for free.

Water

A conserve and boil notice remains in effect for the following areas until further notice: Clear Branch, Rocky Fork, Sandy Bottom, Temple Hill, and Chestoa west of Chestoa Bridge.

Erwin Utilities said as restoration efforts continue, customers may experience service disruptions and little to no pressure during the coming days. Residents may also experience air inside their water lines and are asked not to run their water for extended periods of time to try to clear them.

Those still without water are asked to contact the utility company immediately at (423) 743-1820 or email customerservice@e-u.cc.

Wastewater

Customers are reminded that minimal use of sewer services is advised during this time.

“Collaboration with several organizations and contractors continued today in an effort to help us determine a viable solution for wastewater treatment,” the release states. “A permanent solution to this magnitude will take months if not years. However, we are diligently working towards a temporary solution in the interim.”

Fiber

Erwin Utilities said fiber restoration continues, and crews will gather with contractors on Monday to collectively work on repairs.

The following areas were still without fiber as of Saturday evening: Industrial Park, Temple Hill Rd, Sandy Bottom, River Rd, Temple Hill, Lower Higgins Creek, Clear Branch, Gilbert Branch, Mill Creek, Hickory Hollow, Unaka Springs, Jones Branch, Embreeville, Bumpus Cove, and Little Germany.

An estimated time for fiber restoration was not available.

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