ASHEVILLE, NC – October 18, 2024 – Water service continues to expand to more than 90% of the system, according to Asheville Water Resources spokesperson Clay Chandler at the October 18th Buncombe County Helene recovery briefing. Pressure will return to low-lying areas first. After tanks fill and water lines are purged of air, pump stations will activate and deliver service to higher elevations. Service restoration will continue to move generally westward.
A boil water notice remains in effect for everyone on the city of Asheville system, including those served by Mills River. This was done out of an abundance of caution. The practical effect for all customers remains the same: Any water intended for consumption (drinking, cooking, brushing teeth) should be vigorously boiled for at least one minute before using.
Running water is not safe to drink from the tap. Water from the tap is safe for handwashing (unless hands are being cleaned for food preparation), showering (but must not swallow water while showering), laundry and flushing toilets. The water is safe for washing dishes, if a dishwasher’s temperature reaches a minimum of 170 degrees.
What you should do before water service returns: Flip off the breaker to your water heater. Turn off water to your water heater. Turn off hot water under your sinks. Remove aerator (it typically unscrews) on faucets. Turn off the ice maker. Turn off water to your whole house filter, if you have one.
What you to do when your water service returns: Flush your home plumbing by running the bathtub’s cold water faucet for at least 15 minutes. Your water heater may be turned back on once your home’s plumbing has been flushed. It’s safe to flush your toilet after completing steps 1 and 2.
Listen to the full report below:
Contact: Dr. Dick Needleman, Health reporter, 103.3 AshevilleFM, healthyasheville@ashevillefm.org