The Water Resources Department paused all billing activities at the onset of Hurricane Helene. As service was interrupted by the devastation to the system caused by Tropical Storm Helene, it was determined billing activities would not take place until the full system returned to potable water delivery status.
The boil water notice was lifted system-wide on November 18, 2024 indicating a safe return to normal service. With that major milestone reached, billing will now be resumed.
The difficult task of meter reading began the same week potable water was restored. Water Resources officer Clay Chandler broke down the information and structure of the first bills during a December 2 briefing :
What to expect as meter reading resumes and new statements are produced
The combined utility statement includes services for water, sewer, stormwater, and sanitation services (as applicable to each customer). Utility flat fee charges are primarily billed bimonthly/six times per fiscal year. The Water Consumption Charge for water usage on all bills has been changed to $0.00. This covers all water usage from your last bill, before the storm, through your meter reading for the current bill. It encompasses the full period of nonpotable water from the end of September through mid November.
Sewer Treatment will be charged at the regular rate as the Metropolitan Sewerage District has remained operational and is treating wastewater on a normal schedule. Due to the lapse in billing during storm recovery, customers have missed one full bimonthly billing cycle. Because of this, the flat fees for other services will be doubled on your most recent bill. Again these fees are designed for assessment six times per year for the associated services. This would include the water base fee, sewer maintenance, stormwater, and sanitation roll carts. It does not include a water consumption charge for the billing period impacted by Hurricane Helene from the end of September through mid November.
The City of Asheville will not assess any delinquent fees for utility statements until after 3/1/2025. Customers are encouraged to contact Water Customer Services at 251-1122 if they have billing questions or if additional time is needed to pay the bill. Payment plans will be made available to customers who request them. Regular rates will resume beginning with the next billing cycle.