Plus, some city distribution sites begin relocation.
 
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Today’s Forecast

57º | 20% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 7:37 a.m. | Sunset 6:53 p.m.

 

An update on Asheville’s water system repairs

An update on Asheville’s water system repairs

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Water Resources Department Communications Specialist Clay Chandler said that fixing all the city’s water line breaks is like “playing a game of whack-a-mole.” | Photo via City of Asheville
At yesterday’s news briefing, Assistant City Manager Ben Woody outlined the progress made in restoring running water to the thousands of locals and businesses left without. With the North Fork bypass line now reconnected and some water beginning to flow through Asheville’s pipes, Woody also shared important information on safety.

The City of Asheville has not provided an exact timeline for complete restoration, still stressing that “water restoration will occur slowly and incrementally” and that “full restoration of the system could potentially be weeks away.”

Here’s what we do know.

Note: If you need background on the initial damage and repairs so far, click the button at the bottom of the article.

The progress

Last Thursday night, water resources staff began pressurizing and filling the North Fork Bypass line. They are currently feeding ~12 million gallons per day into the line to support flushing the water system and expanding the restoration of water service.

The North Fork Water Treatment Plant can’t be used right now, so crews are pressurizing the distribution system directly from reservoir water instead of going through the treatment plant. As such, the water is highly chlorinated to ensure it is safe to use.

Restoration began in Swannanoa — which Woody called “ground zero” of the water system destruction — and will move incrementally west from North Fork to Asheville. On Sunday, Oct. 13, crews began supplying water to areas west of Swannanoa and were able to reach South Tunnel Road and the Haw Creek junction, a major distribution system. Although no timeline was provided, Woody said preparations have been made to send water to the Fairview area and higher elevation parts of South Asheville.

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The plan for incremental water restoration moves west from Swannanoa.

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Map via City of Asheville

The reservoir’s turbidity is still a concern, but in-reservoir treatment will begin later this week. A private contractor will install curtains in the reservoir to create sections for coagulation, which will continue in stages to get sediment to settle. Woody did share some good news on water clarity: Streams are now feeding clean, clear water to the reservoir.

Continuing the pressurizing and filling process with this sediment-heavy water allows crews to repair smaller leaks, fill tanks, remove airlocks, and flush the system without waiting for the reservoir treatment to be completed — thus speeding up restoration. It also means that folks are beginning to get water back.
Essentials for water restoration safety
 
Community

Updates + need-to-know information

Hurricane Helene, Oct. 7-13: Updates + need-to-know information

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Keep an eye out for more distribution site changes as schools prepare to reopen. | Photo by Scott Muthersbaugh, Perfecta Visuals via Buncombe County
The following article is being updated on our website daily. Click the button at the bottom of this section to read the full story.

Monday, Oct. 14 updates

The City of Asheville website has been redesigned to accommodate those who are still dealing with connectivity issues. You can view a simplified menu to find resources and services — or click to find the full site.

News about storm debris

According to Asheville City Manager Debra Campbell, there are over 3 million cubic yards of storm debris within Asheville City limits (that’s about 140 football fields, stacked 10 feet high).

A private contractor will work on storm-related debris pickup, and temporary debris sites are now being established where debris is staged, separated, and processed. City of Asheville staff have conducted door-to-door outreach to notify impacted residents about the temporary debris sites. This process will continue as new sites are brought online.
Trash, curfew + fixed FEMA locations
 
News Notes
Community
  • The food and water distribution site at Lucy S. Herring Elementary School has been relocated to the parking lot of 980 Brevard Rd. (currently At Home and formerly K-Mart). It will open at 9 a.m. this morning, Oct. 15. Additional City of Asheville distribution sites will be relocated this week, as Asheville City Schools prepares to reopen.
Sports
  • More than 60 minor, major, and independent league professional sports teams have joined together for the Asheville Tourists’ Hurricane Helene Relief Auction. The teams have donated unique memorabilia to raise money for MANNA FoodBank. CareSource will match up to $100,000, and 100% of each winning bid will be donated.
Kids
  • Asheville-based nonprofit The Educational Garden Project, which hosts educational camps for kids focused on cooking and gardening, is offering pay-what-you-can childcare for those affected by Hurricane Helene. Register for selected days this week and next, and enter one of the listed coupon codes.
Shop
  • DayTrip and All Souls Pizza are hosting RAD Market on Sunday, Oct. 20. From 12 to 5 p.m., River Arts District artists and vendors who lost their spaces will gather in the field next to All Souls to sell their wares.
Biz
  • The next iteration of the free Small Business Info Session series will take place on Thursday, Oct. 17 at Mojo Coworking. Register to hear local experts, including reps from the City of Asheville and Buncombe County, discuss navigating reopening after the storm. ICYMI, you can also watch the previous session on financial recovery.
Open
  • Firestorm Books is winding down its role as a supply distribution center and reopening to the public from 3 to 7 p.m. each day. Outside those hours, the space will be available for community events and activities, especially related to disaster relief. The store will still offer a small inventory of supplies.
Cause
  • Flush AVL is working to bring intermediate bulk containers of nonpotable water for flushing to neighborhoods in Buncombe County. Check out the website to request a tote for your neighborhood, see where totes have been placed, and volunteer for the cause.
Traffic
  • According to the NCDOT, the section of I-40 between Exit 20 in NC and Exit 432 in TN will remain closed until at least January, due to sections of the road being washed out by the storm. The $10 million contract with Wright Brothers Construction includes incentives to open some westbound lanes by Saturday, Jan. 4. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Wellness
  • Meet Calmind, a groundbreaking mental wellness app that transforms your phone into a tool for better sleep. For a limited time, get a lifetime subscription at 83% off.*
 
Causes

Lend a helping hand

Lend a helping hand to these Asheville nonprofits after Helene

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Organizations are seeking donations to continue critical community help. | Photo by Appalachian Wildlife Refuge
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, countless local nonprofits immediately stepped up to serve community members in need. We’ve compiled an ongoing list of organizations providing everything from meal distribution to free legal aid — and to keep the support going, help is needed.

You (and your out-of-town friends and family) can help by clicking the links to donate and sharing these campaigns with your network. This article will continue to be updated, so please email us your fundraising campaigns.

Note: These links were collected through the websites and social media channels of the nonprofits they support or were emailed directly to us by representatives of the organizations.

Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project | Farmer recovery and food access programs

Appalachian Wildlife Refuge | Amazon Wishlist purchase of needed supplies

Asheville GreenWorks | Clean-up efforts, when it is safe and responsible to do so

Asheville Humane Society | Care for local animals, free pet supplies for the community

Babies Need Bottoms | Distribution of diapers and other infant care supplies

BeLoved Asheville | Distribution of critical necessities for survival and stability
20+ more nonprofits to support
 
The Wrap
 
Meet the editors behind AVL today, Grace and Molly

Today’s edition by:
Grace + Molly

From the editors
If you need a break and a little fresh October air, Salt Face Mule Brewing Co. is offering pay-what-you-can mini golf, Monday-Thursday. All proceeds go to supporting the staff’s recovery after the storm.
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