Water Department Updates - OCT 4, 2024 - County Briefing

Water Department Update: Addressing Storm Damage & Restoring Asheville's Water System

The Buncombe County Briefing on October 4, 2024, centered on the Water Department’s response to extensive damage caused by recent severe storms, specifically Tropical Storm Helene. The meeting provided an update on the current state of Asheville’s water system, outlining challenges and ongoing repair efforts. While no formal votes were taken, the briefing offered crucial insights into the scope of the problem and the steps being taken to restore service.

The primary focus was on the devastating impact at the North Fork Water Treatment Plant, which normally supplies water to approximately 80% of Asheville. Storms washed away an estimated 25 feet of earth, creating a significant chasm where a critical 36-inch bypass water line – vital for restoring service to the majority of the system – was located. Ben Woody, from the Water Department, detailed the damage using visuals (though technical difficulties briefly hindered viewing) and emphasized that repairing this bypass line is now the highest priority. Crews are working to install a new elbow, bury the line deeper than before (over 25 feet), and reinforce it to prevent future issues. Alongside this, repairs are ongoing on a significant portion of the line connecting North Fork to Black Mountain, with assistance from crews dispatched from Greensboro.

While challenges remain at North Fork, there was positive news regarding the Mills River Water Treatment Plant, which serves South Asheville and surrounding areas. The plant is currently fully operational, producing 5 million gallons per day at the correct pressure. Water quality testing continues to ensure it meets safety standards before a full return to normal consumption is declared. Additionally, a major east-west connection along Old US-70 near the Whitson Avenue Bridge suffered severe damage, requiring extensive work by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) and contracted crews to rebuild both the roadbed and the damaged water lines. Woody underscored the sheer scale of Asheville’s system, comprising 1800 miles of pipe and over 40 storage tanks, highlighting the magnitude of the restoration effort.

The meeting did not include any public comments or testimony from citizens. It was primarily a presentation by Water Department officials focused on providing an accurate assessment of the situation and outlining repair strategies.

Looking ahead, several key action items have been identified. The immediate priority remains the restoration of the 36-inch bypass water line at North Fork, followed by continued water quality testing at Mills River. Rebuilding the Old US-70 connection is underway, with NCDOT and contractors leading those efforts. Once repairs are complete, the Water Department will face the significant task of repressurizing 1800 miles of pipe and refilling all storage tanks across the system. Residents can expect ongoing disruptions as these repairs continue, and are encouraged to remain patient while the Water Department works diligently to restore full service. The department is committed to providing regular updates as progress unfolds, ensuring transparency and keeping the community informed throughout this process.