Water Department Updates - OCT 21, 2024 - County Briefing

Water Department Update: Addressing Storm Recovery & Reservoir Challenges

On October 21, 2024, the County held a briefing to update residents on the ongoing efforts to restore and stabilize the water system following recent severe storms. The meeting, attended by Water Department officials and community members, focused primarily on the progress made in restoring water service, addressing challenges at North Fork Reservoir, and acknowledging the difficulties residents are experiencing.

A significant portion of the discussion centered on the ongoing restoration efforts after the storm, with officials reporting that approximately 95% of the water system is now operational. Service has been restored to areas including Eastmore and Bee Tree, but challenges persist in specific locations like Town Mountain and Web Cove Road. A landslide has damaged a critical water line, requiring coordination with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) for road repairs before full restoration can occur. A temporary fix is expected to serve approximately 60-75 homes in these areas by Wednesday or Thursday. Officials also addressed ongoing leaks within the Bee Tree area, which are being actively managed.

Beyond restoration efforts, a key topic of discussion was the unexpected results from recent treatment efforts at North Fork Reservoir. A process implemented last week to clear cloudiness (turbidity) in the reservoir’s water has shown improvement at deeper levels, rather than from the top down as initially anticipated. This unusual phenomenon was illustrated with photos presented during the meeting. The department is awaiting the arrival of specialized "curtains" – a treatment method – expected Thursday or Friday. Installation and anchoring around the reservoir's intake will take time, but officials are confident they can conduct a second round of in-lake treatment within the next week.

During public comment, Mrs. Campbell voiced concerns about residents still experiencing disruptions after 26 days without full water service. The Water Department acknowledged the hardship faced by residents and expressed sincere gratitude for their patience, emphasizing that the recent storm represented the most significant natural disaster in Western North Carolina's recorded history. Officials stated that while current water flowing through the system is "not a perfect solution," they remain committed to restoring normal, pristine water quality as quickly as possible.

Looking Ahead: What's Next?

The meeting concluded with a clear outline of upcoming action items. Residents can expect the following:

• Temporary Repair (Town Mountain/Web Cove Road): A temporary solution is anticipated by Wednesday or Thursday.
• Continued NCDOT Coordination: Ongoing collaboration with the NCDOT to address road repairs needed for full restoration in the Town Mountain/Web Cove Road area.
• Reservoir Treatment Installation: Receiving and installing the "curtain" treatment equipment at North Fork Reservoir.
• Second Round of Treatment: Planning and executing a second round of in-lake treatment within one week.
• Leak Repair: Continued efforts to identify and repair leaks throughout the system.

While significant progress has been made, residents should be aware that stabilizing the water system is an ongoing process. The unexpected developments at North Fork Reservoir mean there’s no definitive timeline for when the reservoir water will be fully cleared and treatable. The Water Department is working diligently to address these challenges, and residents are encouraged to stay informed through official County channels.