ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WSPA) – Repairs are entering their second week as officials work to restore water to residents of western North Carolina’s largest city.
Assistant City Manager Ben Woody, with the city of Asheville, gave an update Monday on the status of repairs to the city’s water system after it was ravaged by Hurricane Helene.
The city said the Mills River Water Plant is operating at normal output but there are still pockets of people in that service area without water.
Anyone with service is asked to conserve water and are reminded that a boil water advisory remains in effect.
The city’s contractors are working to reconnect the 36-inch North Fork water bypass main which should be complete within the next 48 to 72 hours. The city said this is one major step to restore water service for residents and businesses.
Comparison of a typical view (left) of the North Fork reservoir and a view of the murky water at the reservoir on October 6, 2024 (right) (From: City of Asheville)
Sediment levels in the North Fork reservoir must also go down before water can be drawn from that source, according to the city.
A city official likened the water conditions at the reservoir to “chocolate milk” and said sediment must settle before water can be taken into the water treatment plant.
Map showing service areas for City of Asheville Water Treatment plants. (From: City of Asheville)
Asheville said Environmental Protection Agency officials are on-site providing resources and assistance to treat the reservoir.
The North Fork reservoir provides water to 80% of the city’s customers.
Three companies are working with the city, NCDOT, and NCDOT’s contractors to complete large-scale repairs to the city’s primary water mains.
The city said engineering and design work for the water system is happening in the field as work continues to restore the distribution system.
Work to replace transmission lines is beginning closest to the source of the water and moving outward.
Woody also cautioned that there were many breaks in the water system that they are not aware of and will not be aware of until the system is pressurized.
“As the system pressurizes in the coming weeks, we will continue to find new breaks and leaks,” said Woody.
The City of Asheville’s Water Department has 181 employees who are making repairs alongside contractors.
Crews work to repair a 24″ water line along Old U.S. 70 in Swannanoa, N.C., October 2, 2024 (From: City of Asheville) Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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