Tropical Storm Helene severely damaged the production and distribution system of the City of Asheville’s water system.
Extensive repairs are required to treatment facilities, underground and aboveground water pipes, and to roads that have washed away which are preventing water personnel from accessing parts of the system. Although providing a precise timeline is impossible, it is important to note that restoring service to the full system could potentially take weeks.
As repairs progress, water service will return to some areas before others, based solely on the level of damage to the system.
What to do if you have running water
Customers who currently have water should fill bathtubs and other available containers in preparation for loss of service. Please remember, a boil water advisory also remains in effect for customers who have water.
What to do if you have conserved drinking water or bottled drinking water
Potable water is limited, please only use potable water for drinking, not for flushing.
SHELTERS
General public shelter at WNC Agricultural Center – 1301 Fanning Bridge Road, Fletcher, NC at capacity as of the time of Sunday, Sept. 29.
General public shelter at AB Tech – 6 Fernihurst Drive, Asheville, NC 28801 (use Victoria Road entrance)
Medical emergency shelter at AB Tech – 10 Genevieve Circle, Asheville, NC 28801
SUPPLIES
Food and water supplies have been ordered to assist our community in need. We hope to receive these supplies in the next day or two. Until then, please be conservative and help your neighbors if possible.
Distribution sites have been identified and will be advertised once the supplies are in hand.
Without power many gas stations are not open and fuel is not currently available. We ask everyone to conserve fuel and not drive unless it is an emergency.
BUS SERVICE
Bus service remains suspended while buses are involved in relief efforts. While performing this service, the bus destination sign will say “Special Assignment.” When services resume, ART buses will have the regular route name on the destination sign.
ASHEVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT
APD is at full patrol staffing. Additionally, Federal and NC State agents are assisting with security and other local Law Enforcement Agencies needs.
ASHEVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT
AFD continues rescue efforts in heavily affected areas and will begin canvassing neighborhoods for needs. For those needing medical assistance or for those who cannot call 911, each fire station will have a firefighter available 24/7.
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
Structural damage should be reported to an individual’s insurance company as soon as possible.
A city-wide initial assessment by FEMA and a team of city staff (DSD, Fire, Public Works) will begin Sunday, September 29. Community members will see city staff doing assessments to understand the magnitude of the overall storm damage.
Development Services Department will be set up to receive and issue permits for removal and replacement of damaged areas. Permit fees will be waived for removal and repair permits.
- For questions about buildings affected by this storm:
- City of Asheville Building Safety Division at 828-259-5967
- email [email protected].
PUBLIC WORKS/SANITATION
Public Works is working to clear storm debris from roads to provide critical access for emergency vehicles. Public Works will run routes for debris removal in the coming weeks. Information about trash and recycling collection will be continually updated.
City Offices and Parks will be closed Monday, Sep 30, 2024 to allow full support to the recovery efforts.
Visit https://www.ashevillenc.gov/news/tropical-storm-helene-recovery-resources/ for additional information and future updates.
Written by the City of Asheville.