Water Department Updates - NOV 14, 2024 - County Briefing

Water Department Updates: A Recap of the November 14th County Briefing

On November 14, 2024, the County Briefing focused on critical updates from the Water Department, addressing concerns related to water quality and ongoing mitigation efforts. This recap summarizes those discussions for residents, outlining key findings, decisions, and what steps are being taken to ensure safe water access. The meeting primarily centered on two significant issues: elevated turbidity at North Fork Reservoir and the results of recent lead and copper testing in schools and residential areas.

A major focus of the meeting was addressing ongoing turbidity levels at North Fork Reservoir, which currently sit slightly above desired levels. While officials noted that recent rainfall and windy conditions have contributed to this, they anticipate that ongoing steady rain will help settle the sediment. Work on the Army Corps of Engineers project, aimed at long-term reservoir improvements, remains on schedule for late November/early December. Residents will be notified promptly should any changes to this timeline occur.

The bulk of the meeting, however, was dedicated to discussing the findings from extensive lead and copper testing conducted over the past six weeks. This testing, significantly exceeding usual protocols, aimed to assess the effectiveness of corrosion control treatment and was conducted at schools (both public and private), childcare facilities, and residential areas. While all copper results were below allowable levels, testing revealed detectable lead levels in seven schools: Oakley, Sand Hill, Charles C. Bell, and Glen Arden Elementary Schools (county system); Lucy Herring and Hall Fletcher Elementary Schools (city system); and Odyssey Community School (private). It's important to note that source water at North Fork, Mules River, and Bee Tree reservoirs tested below detection limits for lead, indicating that the issue stems from within the distribution system. A 19-day period without corrosion control treatment (zinc orthophosphate and sodium bicarbonate) occurred due to piping configuration at North Fork, but this treatment was reinstated on October 30th.

In response to these findings, immediate measures were taken to protect students and staff at affected schools. All schools have been notified, water fountains are closed and unplugged, and nutrition teams are utilizing bottled or purified water for meal preparation. The EPA is providing guidance on filter installation and plumbing fixture replacement. While no boil water notice has been issued, residents are advised to use bottled or treated water for making baby formula. Residents concerned about lead in their service lines can request a free testing kit by contacting Water Resources at 828-259-5962 or [email protected]. Until further testing confirms the effectiveness of corrosion control, residents are strongly encouraged to flush faucets for 30 seconds to two minutes before using the water, particularly if the faucet hasn't been used in four to six hours. This is especially important for homes built before 1988.

During the meeting, resident John Boyle inquired about the delay in reinstating corrosion control and the percentage of homes with potentially vulnerable plumbing. Reporter Laura sought clarification on the homeowner directive regarding flushing and potential long-term effects. No formal votes were taken, with the focus remaining on information sharing and outlining response measures.

Looking ahead, Water Resources will continue to monitor and test schools over the next month, three months, and six months from October 30th. Residents are encouraged to participate in the city's free lead and copper drinking water testing program, and officials continue to advise boiling water if consuming it, along with the recommended flushing protocol. The city will also continue providing bottled water to affected schools. For more information and updates, residents can visit the Water Services Recovery Website (link pending) or call the Buncombe County Public Health Blood Lead Information Line at 828-250-5205. This ongoing effort underscores the Water Department’s commitment to ensuring safe and reliable water for all residents.