Water is flowing in Buncombe County for the first time since Hurricane Helene

BUNCOMBE COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) – Buncombe County officials confirmed that water is beginning to flow through the city of Asheville's pipes for the first time in more than two weeks.

During an Oct. 12 press conference, Buncombe County officials said a team from the City of Asheville Water Department activated the 36-inch bypass that carries water from the North Fork Reservoir.

The crew's success made it possible to distribute water throughout the county and surrounding areas for the first time since September 26, when Hurricane Helene devastated the area and destroyed much of the City of Asheville's infrastructure.

Lillian Govus, director of communications and public engagement for Buncombe County Government, said water crews are working around the clock to restore water to Asheville and surrounding areas and communities, citing Swannanoa in particular as water-rich.

“My neighbors and I can confirm that water is starting to flow, and for the first time in over two weeks, people in Swannanoa had water flowing through their pipes,” Govus said.

Govus congratulated the six crew members for restoring water flow and acknowledged the efforts of theirs and other water crews working to restore infrastructure, saying, “This is a major step forward in water restoration across the county.”

HUD, ASHEVILLE LEADERS STEP UP TO SECURE APARTMENT FOR HELENE VICTIMS

Black Mountain Fire Chief John Coffey said during the Oct. 11 press conference that there were breaks in the water lines and that there were missing fire hydrants throughout the system.

“It will not be a quick process for us to achieve a full recovery, but the process is underway,” Coffey said.

Buncombe County has reminded residents a few times to be careful as water returns to the area:

• This water contains sediment but is heavily chlorinated to ensure maximum disinfection.
• There is a warning about boiling water. Therefore, boil the water vigorously for at least a minute
• Use bottled water for drinking, cooking, and brushing your teeth
• Turn off the ice makers
• Close the valve to the water heater to prevent sediment buildup and open the inlet once water is restored
• Pour discolored water through your bathtub