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Open, crowdsourced, vetted info by people on the ground for people on the ground

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Curfew

As of Monday Oct. 21, the City of Asheville no longer has a curfew

Water Precautions

Community Concern Notice: As water pressure is restored to parts of Western North Carolina, please be advised that tap water may not be safe for any use. If the water shows any unusual, chemical, or oily smell, taste, or texture, consider disposing of it and continue using bottled water. Check your local authorities for the status of your tap water and consider continuing to filter and boil all tap water intended for drinking, cooking, and washing until further notice. For more information on mud and water safety practices, visit this crowdsourced document.

High Priority Main Page Items

Asheville Water Service

As of 11/18/24 The boil advisory has been lifted for those on the Asheville water system

City of Asheville Water Resources has lifted the Boil Water Notice. Customers may resume normal usage of the water system. Please review this notice about how to return to service.

This does not apply to customers with plumbing installed before 1988. Like it was before Helene, flushing your cold water tap for 30 seconds to two minutes is still advised before gathering water for consumption. That process should be followed daily. To learn more about lead awareness, visit https://www.ashevillenc.gov/projects/lead-awareness/. You can also request a lead test on this site.

Water Service Outside of Asheville

As water pressure is restored to parts of Western North Carolina, please be advised that tap water may not be safe for any use. If the water shows any unusual, chemical, or oily smell, taste, or texture, consider disposing of it and continue using bottled water. Check your local authorities for the status of your tap water and consider continuing to filter and boil all tap water intended for drinking, cooking, and washing until further notice. (10/30/24)

Please visit our Water Safety page for more information on how to proceed with best water practices

PREVENTING FROZEN PIPES

Below freezing temperatures are expected over the weekend. Here are some tips to prevent frozen water pipes in your home. Find more information on this page: https://www.ashevillenc.gov/department/water/additional-information/ 

  • Disconnect and drain all garden hoses and install covers on outside faucets.
  • Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
  • Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing.
  • Identify the location of the main water valve and the valve on your water heater. (Learning the location of these valves may come in handy during an emergency.)
  • Wrap pipes nearest exterior walls and in crawl spaces with pipe insulation or heating tape. This will prevent freezing, especially for interior pipes that run along outside walls.
  • Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.
  • Close all windows near water pipes; cover or close open-air vents. Freezing temperatures combined with wind drafts can cause pipes to freeze more frequently.
  • During really cold weather, open the cold water tap and let the water run at a trickle to keep the water in the pipes moving.

How To Resume Normal Service after a Boil Water Advisory is Lifted

After either the municipality or regulatory authority has provided notice that the water supply is safe to use, the operator must verify the following has been completed:

  • Flush pipes/faucets: follow the directions of your water utility (in the newspaper, radio, or television) or, as general guidance, run cold water faucets for at least 5 minutes.
  • Equipment with water line connections such as post-mix beverage machines, spray misters, coffee or tea urns, ice machines, glass washers, dishwashers, and other equipment with water connections must be flushed, cleaned, and sanitized in accordance with manufacturer's instructions. Attention should be given to waterline strainers, faucet aerators and faucet screens.
  • Run water softeners through a regeneration cycle.
  • Drain reservoirs in tall buildings.
  • Flush hot water tank.
  • Flush drinking fountains: run continuously for 5 minutes.
  • Water Filter cartridges should be replaced and canisters sanitized.


Ice Machine Sanitation:

  • Flush the water line to the machine inlet.
  • Close the valve on the water line behind the machine and disconnect the waterline from the machine inlet.
  • Open the valve, run 5 gallons of water through the valve and dispose of the water.
  • Close the valve and reconnect the line.
  • Discard the first three batches of ice.

Additional Resources:

Conference for Food Protection-Emergency Action Plan for Retail Food Establishments (pages 28-29)

https://www.foodprotect.org/media/guide/Emergency%20Action%20Plan%20for%20Retail%20food%20Est.pdf

NC-Environmental Emergency Preparedness and Recovery Guidance Manual

https://ehs.dph.ncdhhs.gov/faf/food/fd/docs/EH-PreparednessManual-Final.pdf

If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Buncombe County Environmental Health Services at (828) 250-5016 or ehrequest@buncombecounty.org.

Help Hotlines

Search & Rescue, Wellness Checks, and Family Reunification

If you get in contact with your loved one, please get back in touch with the search and rescue/wellness check resources where you made the request so we can put our efforts towards folks who are still missing or separated from their families.

Urban Search and Rescue or “USAR” teams are continuing their work in Buncombe County. To report a missing loved one in the Asheville city limits, call Asheville Police Department at 828-252-1110. In the County, call the non-emergency line at 828-250-6670 to start that report. For emergencies, always call 911.  

  • DIAL 211 AND/OR text 40403 “PERSON” (you will potentially be put on hold calling 211 and then they will tell you to text) or visit NC 211's website: https://rdcrss.org/3rqObG1.
  • If out of state, 888-892-1162
  • AMERICAN RED CROSS Call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) Welfare checks and other assistance needs.  FB PAGE HERE for more info about lost loved ones.  General FB PAGE
  • Carolina Emergency Response Team Operation Rotor Blade has 12 helicopters.  They provide: Wellness checks, Evacs, Fly in supplies https://www.facebook.com/carolinacert
  • 99.9 country - 828-240-5477 (fill in email & they’ll announce on air)
  • CAJUN NAVY 833.225.8616 https://www.facebook.com/pinnaclesearchandrescue/
  • JAARS (Helicopters) https://www.facebook.com/JAARSinc
  • solutions@totalflight.com 919-497-5511 Ext 1
  • REACH OUT WORLDWIDE responders@roww.org (boots on the ground, debris removal and chainsaw crew)
  • Madison County: Resident welfare checks contact Madison County Emergency Operations Center at 828-649-1955 or email e911@madisoncountync.gov
  • The Horseshoe Farm ( @thehorseshoefarm ) is “working closely with Global Empowerment Mission, Aerial Recovery Group & other search and rescue from the Farm. If you know anyone in need of dire aid or rescue, please DM us with the exact address or coordinates of their location. Please know we are compiling this information and creating a list of priorities based on need and severity.”
  • If you're safe, you can text any message to (828) 888-0440. If you're trying to find a loved one, visit DisasterCheckin.com to see if they've checked in. If you don't have internet access, text "SEARCH XXXXXXXXXX" (replace the X's with their phone number) to (828) 888-0440 to check if they've registered with us.
  • Evacuation / Resupply / Welfare Check https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/nc-aid

Housing Rights

Article

Know Your Rights: Renter Information –  Pisgah Legal Housing Attorney David Bartholomew shared important information about the rights of renters with Blue Ridge Public Radio yesterday.

If tenants are confused about their rights or suspect that a landlord may be taking illegal actions against them, Pisgah Legal Services can be contacted online@pisgahlegal.org or 828-253-0406.

Civilian Deliveries and Volunteer Safety

Dangerous Environmental Health Hazards

FIRE DEPARTMENT STATEMENT The fire department has confirmed that mud has hazmat toxins in it. You must wear gloves and masks! Be careful-not a good time to need the hospital. SMART to assume mud in the entire area is affected.  Until state environmental regulators conduct thorough tests, assume every possible contaminant.

Learn more here: MountainTrue contacts EPA, state environmental regulators over chemical-floodwater concerns

PROTECTIVE CLOTHING: Avoid ANY exposure to skin and eyes (waterproof gloves, safety goggles, water-resistant clothing + no gaps for mud to get under, and rubber boots),

MASKS: Use an air-purifying respirator (chemical cartridge/gas mask respirator, PAPR, SCBA) to prevent illness and injury. If these masks are inaccessible, the next best protection is a well-fitted, over-the-head n95 (ex. 3M Aura). While it does not protect against hazardous chemicals, it is effective protection against airborne viruses, mold, and dust inhalation. 10/3 (From Hall Fletcher Neighborhood listserv & Discord)

Staying Warm without Electricity

If you have no power and the temperatures are dropping, here are some cold-weather tips to keep you warm and safe:

  • 𝗟𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿 𝗨𝗽: Wear multiple layers of clothing, including thermal undergarments, sweaters, and socks. Don’t forget a warm hat!
  • 𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀: Wrap yourself in blankets, sleeping bags, or anything warm you can find. Layering blankets can provide extra insulation.
  • 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝗼𝗺: Choose a smaller room to heat with body warmth. Close off doors to keep the heat in.
  • 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗿𝗮𝗳𝘁𝘀: Use towels or clothing to block drafts from windows and doors. This will help keep the warmth in.
  • 𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗺 𝗨𝗽 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗛𝗼𝘁 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗸𝘀: If you have a way to heat water, enjoy hot drinks like tea, coffee, or hot chocolate to stay warm from the inside.
  • 𝗠𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱: Keep your blood circulating by moving around gently. Do some light exercises to stay warm.
  • 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮 𝗖𝗼𝘇𝘆 𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲: Gather in one area with family or friends. Body heat from being together can help keep everyone warm.
  • 𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝗕𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘆-𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀: If you have a battery-operated heater or heating pad, use it carefully to warm small areas.
  • 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗱: Keep a battery-powered radio or your phone charged for updates on the power restoration and weather.

 

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗡𝗢𝗧 𝘁𝗼 𝗗𝗼:

  • 𝗔𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗱 𝗨𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗼𝗿𝘀: Never use gas-powered generators inside your home or garage due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • 𝗗𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗼𝗻 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗙𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘀: Avoid using candles or other open flames for light or heat, as they can pose a fire hazard.
  • 𝗗𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗵𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳: While it’s important to stay warm, don’t bundle up so tightly that you risk overheating or restricting circulation.
  • 𝗔𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗱 𝗔𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗵𝗼𝗹: While it might seem like a good idea to drink alcohol for warmth, it can actually lower your body and dehydrate you.
  • 𝗗𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗲 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀: Do not use stoves (gas & electric), camp stoves or charcoal grills indoors, all of which produce carbon monoxide, a deadly odorless gas.

If you have questions about safe heating practices, please call or visit your local fire department.

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Archive (Staff Use Only)

  • Asheville/Buncombe County Specific:
  • The Buncombe County Register of Deeds has developed a web-based form to help people in locating and connecting with residents of Buncombe County. This resource allows individuals to tell the county about anyone who they believe is missing or cannot be reached. This resource is available to anyone within or outside of Buncombe County. This form is available at this link.
  • Call (828) 820-2761. Please leave a voicemail and someone with Register of Deeds will contact you as soon as they canOR
  • If you get in contact with someone who you submitted a form or called in about. Please email register@buncombecounty.org or call (828) 820-2761 to let them know they have been found. This will help us prioritize our long list of names.
  • To volunteer for door-knocking and wellness checks with Buncombe County visit the Register of Deeds (205 College St.) from 10am - 5pm to get started.

Official City of Asheville Frequently Asked Questions about water: click here for link

Water Service Restoration
Some customers who are very close to the North Fork Water Treatment facility in Lake Eden and Swannanoa have seen water service return. Water Resources is in the process of expanding service to Haw Creek and parts of Fairview. It is of utmost importance to note: This water IS NOT SAFE for drinking from the tap. Water must be vigorously boiled for at least one minute before consumption. The water is safe for laundry, showering (do not swallow water while showering), handwashing, washing dishes and flushing toilets. Service will return slowly and incrementally, moving in a generally westward direction from North Fork toward Asheville.

What to do before water service returns:

  1. Flip off the breaker to your water heater.
  2. Turn off water to your water heater.
  3. Turn off hot water under your sinks.
  4. Remove aerator (it typically unscrews) on faucets.
  5. Turn off the ice maker.
  6. Turn off water to your whole house filter, if you have one.

What to do when your water service returns

  1. Run cold water through a non-aerated faucet, such as a bathtub or a water hose, for about 15 minutes or until the water turns clear.
  2. Turn on your water heater and water heater breaker, and reattach your faucet aerator.
  3. It’s safe to flush your toilet after completing steps 1 and 2.
  4. 𝗕𝗼𝗶𝗹 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘃𝗶𝗴𝗼𝗿𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝘁 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝘂𝘁𝗲 before using it for cooking, brushing teeth, or drinking. It’s safe for showers, but avoid getting water in your mouth. Sponge baths are recommended for babies and small children. Do not use tap water to make ice until it is safe to consume.

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗽𝘀 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁? Newly available water will contain more sediment than usual. These steps will allow sediment to flow freely out of the water system and prevent it from collecting where it shouldn’t, such as in your aerator and in appliances. Turning off your ice maker ensures that you will not ingest water that is not yet safe to consume.

 

  • Boil all water vigorously for at least one minute before using it for any consumption, such as cooking, brushing teeth, and drinking.
  • The water is safe for showers, officials say, but residents should avoid getting water in the mouth. Parents and guardians should consider sponge baths for babies and small children.
  • If you remain without water, turn off the water heater to prevent fire risk.
  • If you see a leak in your area, please report it to customer service: 828-251-1122.


The City of Asheville is not assessing late fees for water bills, sending delinquent notices, creating new bills, or doing any cuts-offs for non-payment at this time. We are still accepting payments online, IVR, and by mail for anyone that is trying to pay an existing bill. Please contact customer service at 828-251-1122 if you have billing concerns.

Last updated: December 12, 2024, 1:27 am