Water Restoration Update
You can find the presentation from the Buncombe County briefing at this link: County Briefing – Nov. 14, 2024 – Water Department Updates
Water Resources launched an investigative sampling program focused on testing for lead and copper from 25 locations across the distribution system, in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Lead exposure is particularly hazardous to pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and children under the age of six. Plumbing in structures built before 1988 have increased potential to be a source of lead exposure if water sits undisturbed in plumbing for 4-6 hours.
For this reason, the Water Resources Department treats water with zinc orthophosphate, which provides corrosion control throughout the water distribution system, including private property plumbing. Due to the piping configuration at the North Fork Water Treatment Plant, Water Resources was unable to treat the raw reservoir water with zinc orthophosphate for approximately 19 days.
Lead Sampling Results:
These samples were sent to an independent, third-party lab, and results indicated detectable lead levels from the pipes in seven schools. All copper levels were well below regulatory limits. It is important to note lead levels were not found in the water source itself, but rather from water traveling through older pipes owned by customers. Schools with detectable lead levels include:
County Elementary Schools: Oakley Elementary School, Sand Hill Elementary School, Charles C. Bell Elementary School, Glen Arden Elementary School
City Elementary Schools: Lucy S. Herring Elementary School, Hall-Fletcher Elementary School
Participating Private School: Odyssey Community School
At the time of sampling, the schools had been closed and water had been sitting in the pipes for two to three weeks. Since schools reopened, students have not consumed tap water. Bottled water is being provided to students and staff for drinking purposes. In line with EPA recommendations, the schools are implementing protective measures, including installing National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) certified filters to reduce lead and assessing plumbing for potential sources of exposure.
Out of an abundance of caution, Water Resources also sampled the raw water at North Fork for lead and is awaiting results from a third-party contract lab. Source water at North Fork, Mills River, and Bee Tree water treatment facilities were last tested for lead and copper in July 2024. All results were below detection limits. Water Resources records going back decades do not show detectable levels of lead in the source water at any time.
Health Precautions and Recommendations:
Lead exposure poses significant health risks, especially for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and children under the age of 6, if ingested. It is important to note external use such as showering, dishwashing and washing clothes are not at risk for lead exposure. If you have concerns regarding exposure to lead and are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have children under 6 please contact your healthcare provider. See recommendations to avoid lead exposure until the boil water notice is lifted:
Use bottled water: Drinking bottled water is the safest way to avoid lead exposure. Bottled water is being distributed throughout the City and County. Free potable water is available at multiple distribution sites across the City and County. Residents are encouraged to use these resources as needed.
Boil water guidance: If you must use the tap water for consumption it is recommended to run tap water for 30 seconds to two minutes or until a temperature change is noticed each time before boiling. This EPA-recommended flushing practice can reduce potential lead presence in the short term.
Water Billing on Hold:
No water bills are currently being issued, so additional flushing will not incur costs for residents. Moreover, extra flushing will expedite the overall process of restoring corrosion control and lifting the boil water notice sooner.
Free Lead Testing Available:
Water Resources will be re-sampling affected schools and private residences over the coming months to monitor progress and verify the effectiveness of corrosion control treatment. Residents, particularly those in homes built before 1988, are strongly encouraged to participate in Asheville’s free lead and copper testing program. To request a testing kit, or for more information on protecting against lead exposure, contact Water Resources at 828-259-5962 or email leadprevention@ashevillenc.gov. Additional information is available online at ashevillenc.gov/leadawareness.
Water system updates are posted on the city’s website daily at https://www.ashevillenc.gov/helene/water-services-recovery/.
Lowe’s Launches $2.5 Million Western North Carolina Small Business Recovery Fund
FEMA FAQs
FEMA Individual Assistance may help you to recover from Tropical Storm Helene by providing money and direct services to cover uninsured or underinsured necessary expenses and serious needs. FEMA disaster assistance is not a substitute for insurance, and it cannot help with expenses covered by insurance or other sources.
What kind of help can FEMA provide?
FEMA may provide Serious Needs Assistance, Displacement Assistance, Home Repair Assistance, Rental Assistance, Personal Property Assistance, Transportation Assistance, Medical and Dental Assistance, Funeral Assistance, and other miscellaneous expenses for eligible applicants.
Does help from FEMA have to be paid back?
No. However, if you have insurance that covers your temporary housing costs and ask FEMA to advance your money to help pay for those costs because your insurance payment is delayed, you will need to pay that money back to FEMA after you receive your insurance settlement.
Can FEMA disaster assistance be used to repair my private road or bridge?
FEMA assistance is available to help cover repairs to privately owned roads and bridges. To receive help with road or bridge repair, the following conditions must be met:
- A FEMA inspection determines the disaster damaged the road or bridge and repairs are necessary to provide access to your home.
- You are responsible (or shares responsibility with other homeowners) for maintaining the road or bridge.
- The damaged road or bridge is the only way to reach your home.
If I apply for disaster assistance for an ‘unlivable’ home, will FEMA seize my property?
FEMA cannot seize your property. Applying for disaster assistance does not give FEMA or the federal government ownership of your property. When you apply for disaster assistance, a FEMA inspector may be sent to verify the damage to your home and report the kind of damage caused by the disaster. Any assistance you may receive is a grant; it is not a loan.
FEMA says I’m not approved for some types of assistance. What can I do?
If FEMA sends you a letter that explains you are not approved for certain types of assistance, it is important to read your letter carefully. Oftentimes, you may only need to send more information or supporting documents for FEMA to continue reviewing your application.
The easiest way to send documents to FEMA is by uploading them online through the FEMA App or through an online account at DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also mail your documents to FEMA, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782; fax them to 1-800-827-8112; or bring them to a Disaster Recovery Center. To find a Disaster Recovery Center near you, visit fema.gov/drc or text “DRC” and your ZIP code to 43362.
If you have questions about any FEMA letter, visit a Disaster Recovery Center near you or call FEMA’s Helpline at 1-800-621-3362.
If you use a video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service.
If I disagree with FEMA’s decision, how can I appeal?
You can appeal any FEMA decision or award amount by sending documents such as verifiable estimates for repairs, receipts, bills, etc., to show you need more help. Each decision letter you receive from FEMA explains the types of documents that may help you appeal.
FEMA cannot duplicate assistance provided to you by another source, such as insurance settlements. However, if you are underinsured, you may receive FEMA disaster assistance for unmet needs by submitting a copy of your insurance settlement or denial documents to FEMA.
What should I do if FEMA has not contacted me?
FEMA representatives may call from unfamiliar area codes/phone numbers, show on your phone as “spam,” or not show up on caller ID. It is critical to keep FEMA advised of any changes to your situation. Missing or outdated contact information could delay getting help. After you apply for disaster assistance, keep in touch with FEMA to update application details with changes or missing information either online at DisasterAssistance.gov or call FEMA’s Helpline at 1-800-621-3362.
What does a FEMA inspector look for?
After you apply for disaster assistance, FEMA may need to verify the disaster damaged your home or property. A home or property inspection may be requested. The inspector will contact you to schedule an appointment.
A home inspection shows FEMA all the disaster damage to your home and personal property like furniture, appliances, vehicles, and any essential items for your daily household needs. The inspector will not physically go into areas where it may be unsafe for them to access (like attics or crawlspaces).
The inspector does not decide if you qualify for assistance. The inspector will verify your name, address, contact information, insurance coverage and occupancy/ownership status. The inspector will walk through the home and note damage to the structure and to personal property caused by the disaster. The inspector will never ask for bank information or charge a fee.
Why did my neighbor get more money than I received for repairs?
Each disaster survivor’s situation is different, and your unique needs may not be the same as your neighbor’s.
Will I get Direct Temporary Housing Assistance?
FEMA may provide Direct Temporary Housing Assistance when there is a need for additional housing resources. FEMA is contacting eligible applicants to assess their unique needs and provide temporary housing solutions.
I’m a renter. Do I qualify for FEMA assistance?
Renters whose property was damaged by the disaster may be eligible for disaster assistance. FEMA disaster assistance may help pay for temporary housing, personal property damage (such as household appliances; furniture; personal or family computer; uniforms, books, tools and other items required for school or job-related purposes), as well as expenses for medical, dental, funeral, child care, and moving and storage.
Recovery Guides
Small Business Recovery Guide
The Small Business Recovery Guide (available in Spanish and Ukrainian) is a comprehensive tool to help our small businesses access critical city services, construction and repair guidelines, funding opportunities, and other essential recovery resources.
The guide offers information on securing emergency permits, available grants and loans, and understanding available city services to help our business community reopen and rebuild with resilience and confidence.
FEMA Recovery Guide
The FEMA Recovery Guide provides detailed information from FEMA’s website, outlining the comprehensive support available through their programs, from housing assistance to disaster unemployment benefits and legal services. It’s designed to make accessing federal assistance as straightforward as possible and is now available in Spanish and Ukrainian.
References to “we” and “our” within the FEMA guide specifically denote FEMA, not the City of Asheville, Buncombe County, or the State of North Carolina.
Recovery Resource Summary Guides
Click below to access today’s recovery resource summary. This brief summary contains information updated and should be considered the most current information available today. Please share these resources with friends and neighbors through email and on social media.
