Water Department Updates - DEC 2, 2024 - County Briefing
December 1, 2024 at 7:00 PM
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Event Recap
Water Department Billing Update Following Hurricane Helene: A Summary for Residents
On December 2, 2024, the County Briefing held a meeting to update residents on changes to water billing procedures following disruptions caused by Hurricane Helene. The primary focus of the meeting was to explain how bills will be processed now that the boil water notice, issued after the hurricane, has been lifted. The meeting was primarily informational and did not involve any formal votes or public testimony.
The most significant change residents will see reflected in their upcoming bills is a doubling of base fees for water, sewer, stormwater, and sanitation services. This adjustment stems from the missed billing cycle during the storm recovery period at the end of September and throughout October/November. While consumption charges will be $0 for water used during this affected period (ending mid-November), the doubled base fees will appear on the most recent bill. An example bill was presented during the meeting to illustrate these changes clearly, helping residents understand how their charges will be calculated.
To ease the transition for customers, the City of Asheville Water Resources is offering several options. Residents with questions or concerns about their bills are encouraged to contact customer service at 828-251-1122. Additionally, payment plans will be available for those who require them, and importantly, the city has committed to not assessing any delinquent fees on utility statements until after March 1st, 2025.
In short, residents can expect to see a higher base fee on their next bill due to the missed billing cycle related to Hurricane Helene, but they will not be charged for water consumption during the period impacted by the storm. The city's commitment to offering payment plans and delaying late fees demonstrates a focus on supporting residents during this recovery period. For any further clarification or assistance, contacting Water Resources customer service is recommended.