ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WSPA) – The water in Asheville is officially safe again.
Buncombe County Government officials confirmed the boil water advisory in Asheville has been lifted 53 days after Hurricane Helene.
Asheville Water Resources Public Information Officer Clay Chandler stated in an update briefing Monday morning that the advisory has been lifted following a sample process that occurred over the weekend.
Chandler mentioned that the water resources lab staff finished the distribution system Sunday morning. After about 18 hours, the samples were still clear of E. Coli and chloroform meaning that the boil water advisory was able to be lifted the following day.
Officials said it is no longer necessary to use bottled water for consumption and hygiene. Treated water has been placed with raw water, so customers can resume normal usage of the water system.
Due to the initial increase in demand, customers are encouraged to temporarily avoid large-volume activities such as filing bathtubs & swimming pools, watering landscaping and long showers.
Officials recommend homeowners with homes built before 1988 to flush their pipes to reduce the risk of lead. To do so, use only cold water and let it run for 30 seconds to two minutes or until the temperature noticeably changes.
The process should flush any potentially impacted water, according to officials, and is a recommendation for every day water-use going forward.
To request a testing kit, or for more information on protecting against lead exposure, contact Water Resources at 828-259-5962 or email [email protected].
Additional information is available online at ashevillenc.gov/leadawareness.
