Officials in Asheville are working to replenish clean drinking water after Hurricane Helene caused damage to supplies. The North Fork Reservoir, which provides water to over 70% of the city, is currently murky from sediment. State and federal officials are looking to treat the reservoir directly to speed up restoration efforts. Meanwhile, water distribution sites using bottled water have been set up in the region as thousands remain without power.
Clean water could take weeks or months to achieve without direct treatment, according to the water resources director. Governor Roy Cooper spoke of the need to rebuild and improve water infrastructure to withstand future disasters like Helene. Private well owners can access free water testing through the EPA’s mobile lab to ensure safety.
Typically, the water from the reservoir is treated with aluminum sulfate before undergoing additional disinfection and filtration. The city is also working to find leaks and broken lines in other areas. Residents are urged to have confidence in their drinking water by getting it tested for safety.
Overall, efforts are being made to provide clean drinking water to all residents in Asheville and the surrounding areas affected by Hurricane Helene. The focus is on restoring the water supply as quickly and effectively as possible while also improving infrastructure to prevent future water-related disasters.
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