We’re here to keep the information flowing. | Photo via City of Asheville
About two weeks ago, water finally started flowing into pipes of Asheville’s homes and businesses. But even as many rejoiced at the return, the warnings were strong and frequent: This water is not for cooking or drinking. Even without the City of Asheville’s messaging, though, the need for a boil water notice is visually apparent. The discolored, cloudy water hardly encourages consumption.
But according to many of our readers, the implications of the boil water notice and the guidance on safe use have been somewhat unclear. So, we’re going to break down what it means to be under a boil water notice and how the city determines the water’s safety.
Note: If you need a little background on the water system damage and the restoration progress, check out this article first.
Using your water safely
Now let’s take a look at your tap. Right now, all City of Asheville water is under a boil water notice. Practically speaking, this means that the water is not safe for consumption when it comes out of your faucet, because of the untreated water in the system and its levels of turbidity. The notice will not be lifted until treated water is running throughout the whole system.
In a basic way, the guidance states that water cannot be consumed unless it has been brought to a full rolling boil for at least one minute (and then cooled after, of course). Consumption includes things like drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, washing fruit or vegetables, making baby formula, and giving it to your pets. According to the city, in-home water treatments and water pitchers with filters don’t provide adequate protection.
The water can be used for laundry, bathing, handwashing, and washing dishes — but don’t stop reading there. There are some important caveats:
You should not wash your dishes by hand with tap water. Use boiled-then-cooled water or bottled water — or after washing with a dish detergent rinse in a dilute bleach (meaning one tablespoon of unscented bleach per gallon of water). All dishes should be dried completely before use.
If your dishwasher gets to at least 170 degrees and has a full dry cycle, you can use it. Note: Most home dishwashers don’t get that hot — if you aren’t sure about the temperature, use an alternative source or rinse in a dilute bleach.
MB HAYNES has teams working round the clock to support recovery across WNC. | Photo by AVLtoday
To help AVL homeowners get back on their feet,local biz MB HAYNES is sharing these three storm-related guides to navigate plumbing, electrical, and power restoration challenges in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene:
The deadline to apply for the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program has been extended to today, Oct. 25 at 4 p.m. Apply in-person at Buncombe County Health and Human Services or send a representative with an authorization form. Note: The online application process and call center are no longer available.
Announced
The Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office has warned of scammers posing as BCSO representatives, asking for money (which BCSO will never do over the phone). Report any scams — like a call demanding a fine for missing jury duty, a call asking for donations for disaster relief, or a letter claiming you owe a tax debt.
Real Estate
FEMA is currently seeking interested, eligible homeowners or property management companies to help meet the temporary housing needs of Hurricane Helene survivors by leasing their properties directly to FEMA. Check out the qualifications — and get in touch by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 5.
Concert
This Saturday, Oct. 26 at 6 p.m., all three of The Whale’s locations will stream the Concert for Carolina on the big screen. Watch Luke Combs, Eric Church, Billy Strings, James Taylor, Sheryl Crow, Keith Urban, and more musical favorites sing in support of WNC. Bonus: The Whale West Asheville will also host Oktoberfest from 1 to 5 p.m.
Cause
You can now purchase a Helene Relief Produce Box from Mother Earth Foods to be delivered to a local family in need. The boxes contain 10 items sourced from small family farms in the region. Locals with an account can purchase online, and folks outside the region can purchase through Venmo.
Active
Asheville on Bikes’ annual Pumpkin Pedaller is rolling into town this weekend, celebrating the strength of the community. Gather at the Grove Arcade location of Wedge Brewing at 2:30 p.m. this Saturday, Oct. 26 and pedal one of two routes through downtown to spotlight open businesses.
Wellness
Thanks to community donations and a partnership with the David Lynch Foundation, the Asheville TM Center is offering free transcendental meditation training from now through December. After you fill out the registration form, you’ll attend a preparatory virtual meeting, then schedule your course.
Shop
After launching last week, Asheville Downtown Association’s Doors Open Downtown initiative continues this Saturday, Oct. 26. Downtown businesses will display a balloon on their doors to indicate that they’re open and to encourage folks to reconnect and support.
Edu
UNC Asheville and the US Army Corps of Engineers have partnered on a temporary water treatment plan for campus water — and now that it’s in place, the administration hopes to open it to residential students next week. There will not be water for the whole campus, but they anticipate opening key buildings. Online classes resume Monday, Oct. 28. (WLOS)
Civic
The City of Asheville shared upcoming vacancies for its boards and commissions, including seats on the Design Review Committee, the Downtown Commission, and the Neighborhood Advisory Committee. Apply by Sunday, Dec. 8. Position appointments that were scheduled for October will now take place on Tuesday, Jan. 14.
Edu
ICYMI, UNC Asheville upped its Access Asheville qualifying annual income to $90,000 (previously $80,000). What that means: More than half of NC families and residents can take advantage of fully covered tuition + fees. Psst: See how to apply for free(this week only).*
Try This
Sip + dine in a world of wonder as Highland Brewing transforms its Event Center into an enchanting Northern Lights viewing camp for its annual Cold Mountain Beer Dinner. Each curated course from Chef Taylor of Montgomery Sky Farm includes a beer pairing and special commentary.*
During the storm, the normally dry auxiliary spillway saw massive amounts of rushing water. | Photo via City of Asheville
The following article is being updated on our website daily. Click the button at the bottom of this section to read the full story.
Thursday, Oct. 24
Disaster Recovery Center will be relocated
In order to accommodate students’ return, the Disaster Recovery Center at AC Reynolds High School has closed — a new location for the center will be announced as soon as possible. However, the community care station at the high school will still be in operation. In the meantime, a Mobile Disaster Recovery Center is open through Sunday, Oct. 27 at the Bee Tree Fire Station in Swannanoa from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and at the Buncombe County Sports Park parking lot from Monday, Oct. 28 through Thursday, Oct. 31 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Volunteer Reception Center opens this weekend
As part of a joint effort from United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County, Lutheran Disaster Response and Relief, and Buncombe County, the Volunteer Reception Center will open this Saturday, Oct. 26 at the United Way office at 50 S. French Broad Ave.
The center complements the Hands On Asheville-Buncombe website, serving as a hub for volunteer opportunities. Starting Saturday, you can visit the center in person from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. to be connected with opportunities available that day from a variety of nonprofits and community groups.
An emergency roadside kit. The 90-piece set comes with a LED headlamp, tire repair kit, jumper cables, window breaker and seat belt cutter, first aid kit, and more.
When we asked for your questions earlier this week, we got an overwhelming response — and many of you wanted to know how you can help. We’ll be updating our article on post-storm volunteer opportunities soon, but in the meantime, you can also spend this Saturday, Oct. 26 at Hickory Nut Gap Farm. Aside from the barn dance, food, pony rides, and beer sales benefiting the ASAP Farmer’s Emergency Relief Fund, a volunteer fair will feature lots of local organizations sharing how you can get involved.
