Water Department Updates - OCT 11, 2024 - County Briefing

Water Department Update: Restoring Service After Storm Damage - October 11, 2024

On October 11, 2024, the County Briefing held a meeting focused on updates from the Water Department regarding ongoing efforts to restore water service following recent storm damage, particularly impacting residents in the North Fork and Swannanoa areas. This recap summarizes the key discussions, decisions, and next steps for those affected by the disruptions.

The primary focus of the meeting was outlining the current status of restoration, addressing challenges related to water quality, and providing residents with an understanding of what to expect in the coming days and weeks. A significant milestone was achieved earlier in the meeting with the completion and pressurization of a crucial 36-inch bypass main connecting the North Fork Water Treatment Plant to the distribution system. However, officials acknowledged that a major hurdle remains: high turbidity (murkiness) in the North Fork Reservoir, making effective water treatment difficult. To combat this, the Water Resources Department is moving forward with a project to install "curtains" within the reservoir near the intake structure, effectively creating an expanded treatment area directly within the reservoir itself. This initiative will be contracted out and is a key component of long-term restoration efforts.

A significant decision made during the meeting, in consultation with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), was to begin directly pressurizing the distribution system with reservoir water, rather than attempting full treatment at the North Fork plant due to the current turbidity levels. This decision reflects a pragmatic approach given the circumstances, but it comes with important implications for residents. A mandatory boil water advisory remains in effect for all residents receiving water in the North Fork and Swinonoa areas until testing confirms the water is safe to drink. Residents are strongly advised to use bottled water or boil their tap water for one minute before drinking, cooking, or brushing teeth. Officials also provided specific guidance on dealing with sediment: residents should close their hot water heater valve or whole-house filter (and reopen it once clear water returns) and avoid flushing discolored water through kitchen sinks or toilets.

The restoration process will proceed incrementally, moving westward from North Fork towards Asheville. The initial and most challenging phase of restoration is centered on the Swannanoa River area, which sustained significant damage. Officials emphasized that this will be a measured and intentional process, acknowledging there is no definitive timeline for full restoration.

Looking Ahead: Key Action Items & What to Expect

Several key action items were identified for the coming weeks:

• Reservoir Curtain Installation: The department will continue sourcing materials and installing the reservoir curtains to improve water treatment capabilities.
• Reservoir Treatment: Treatment of the reservoir water within the curtained-off area will commence.
• System Pressurization: Continued pressurization of the bypass line and expansion into the North Fork Lake Eden area.
• Prioritized Swannanoa Restoration: Focused efforts on the Swannanoa River area over the weekend and early next week.

The Water Department committed to providing ongoing updates and information to the community regarding the restoration process. Residents are encouraged to exercise patience as this is a complex and gradual undertaking, and to stay informed through official channels.

Why This Matters To You:

The storm damage has significantly impacted water service for many residents. Understanding the challenges, decisions made (like the boil water advisory), and the staged restoration plan is crucial for residents to protect their health and manage expectations during this period of disruption. The County Briefing meeting provided valuable insight into the steps being taken to resolve these issues, and residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and follow all safety guidelines.