Recent News
Majority of City of Asheville main water lines are now clear – April 05, 2019
Latest testing results now available for City of Asheville water – April 04, 2019
Asheville leaders brief community on recent water breaks and discoloration – April 02, 2019
Video: City press briefing on water breaks and discoloration – April 02, 2019
Fast Facts: City of Asheville boil water advisories – April 02, 2019
City statement on Monday morning water main break in River Arts District – April 01, 2019
Crews work to resolve water discoloration following repair completion – March 27, 2019
Background
The first event to cause discolored water occurred on March 26-27, 2019. This incident is related to a water line repair that caused significant amounts of sediment to mix in with the water supply. Our crews worked around the clock to remove the sediment from the system. Based on the calls received, it appears 5% customers were still affected by discolored water several days after this event. We anticipated water to be back to normal by Friday, April 5, 2019.
The second event occurred on April 1, 2019. Water loss was due to an early morning break of a 24” water main. The break occurred after a scheduled water line construction project was completed on March 31, 2019 in the same area. At this time, it appears the April 1, 2019 event was related to a failure in a piece of material used in the water line work on the previous day.
This break impacted a large part of the community including schools, businesses and homes. We understand that we did not provide detailed enough information to help people understand what to do.
Water tests were done throughout the system and those results show no reason to continue a broad boil water advisory for people who had
no water on April 1, 2019.
Once discolored water enters your house, the only way to remove it is to run your water until it is clear. Running hot water will clear hot water heaters which typically hold a large amount of water. We understand this comes at the expense and we will adjust bills so the amount you pay is in line with previous bills.
As always, the water department continues to test the water. The testing is done by a contracted lab and we will communicate the results back to the public as they are available.
Supporting Documents
Frequently asked questions about discolored water
Environmental Testing Solutions Certificate of Analysis – April 02, 2019
Presentation to Council – April 9, 2019
Samples Collected Report – March 26 to May 11, 2019 – Updated May 14, 2019
