What we do Last updated or reviewed on March 19, 2025 The Water Resources Department (WRD) provides drinking water to Asheville and the surrounding areas. WRD owns and operates three drinking water treatment plants, and maintains over 1700 miles of water lines in the distribution system. Tips to Prevent Frozen Pipes More information here. We’re working for you! To receive emergency texts directly from Buncombe County for breaking health and safety news text BCALERT on your smartphone to 99411. Sign up for AVL Alerts online for information from the City of Asheville. AVL ! ALERT The Water Resources Department’s vision is to be an innovative leader in the water utility industry. Using the concept of continuous improvement, the department accepts the challenges of providing regional customers with water to enhance their quality of life, serving as stewards over the most vital of all natural resources, and empowering department employees to meet customer needs by providing the finest drinking water in the United States at competitive prices. Mission It is the mission of the Water Resources Department to manage and protect community resources and to provide the highest quality of water service to customers. The department will do this in the following ways: Continuous improvement in products, systems and processes to maximize customer satisfaction; Continuous communication among and between staff, customers and governing board; Continuous involvement with the community and region; Valuing honesty, hard work, creativity, faith in each other, perseverance, and respect for diversity. General Information The 2023 Annual Water Quality Report is available, and is also available translated into Spanish, Ukrainian, and Russian. The City of Asheville owns 22,000 acres of forested mountains surrounding our primary watershed, which makes it one of the largest municipally owned watersheds in the United States. The water department takes the responsibility of protecting the watersheds seriously, which is why most of the land is preserved in conservation easements, protected from development and pollution. The Water Resources Department owns and operates three water treatment plants: North Fork (located in Black Mountain), William DeBruhl (located in Swannanoa), and Mills River (located near the Asheville Regional airport). The North Fork and DeBruhl watersheds are pristine. The reservoirs are fed by pure mountain streams, which are protected from industrial and agricultural contaminants. The Mills River watershed is less pristine, but also provides a valuable source, especially as population grows. The Mills River facility was built with the intent to expand with growing demand. The Mills River watershed covers 47,440 acres, 75% of which lies in the Pisgah National Forest. It includes a trout fishery, fish and wildlife habitat, and a recreational resource. The Mills River plant uses ozone in addition to chlorine for disinfection. For more information about our treatment, distribution, and quality control, read our annual water quality report. ISO 14001 Environmental Management System In 2004, the City of Asheville Water Resources Department became the first ISO 14001 certified water utility in North Carolina, proving that practices and procedures were implemented to protect the environment. The water department has maintained certification for twenty years, showing that a commitment to protect the environment continues to be a priority for the department. The Water Resources Department is committed to managing and protecting the community’s resources and to providing the highest quality of water service to customers through: Continuous Improvement in the product, systems, and processes to maximize customer satisfaction; Communication among and between staff, customers, vendors, contractors, and governing board; Compliance with relevant federal, state, and local environmental regulations; Commitment to a clean, healthy environment through prevention of pollution. Christmas 2022 Water Outage After Action Report Read the After Action Report here. Christmas 2022 Water Outage Independent Review Committee Report Presented to Council June, 13, 2023 Presentation Report YouTube Independent Review Committee Web Page Connect Address 70 Court Plaza, Asheville, NC 28801 Mailing Address PO Box 7148, Asheville, NC 28802 Phone Number 828-251-1122 Email Address egovutility@ashevillenc.gov Business HoursMonday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5 p.m. (in person starting at 8 a.m., phones starting at 9 a.m.)DirectorDavid MeltonAdditional LinksStaff Directory Related Services Learn more about our water, the environment and waste reduction The City of Asheville Water Resources Department has an education program. We offer tours of our water treatment plants, as well as lessons on the environment and water quality. Pay your water bill How to pay your water bill, with convenient online, automatic draft, mail or in person options. Rates and Fees View a list of water consumption charges for various types of activities, as well as information on other water fees. Sewer services Find out about sewerage services provided by Metropolitan Sewerage District (MSD), and how to ask questions and find additional information. Water quality and advisories View the yearly water quality report, current advisories and outages, as well as register to be notified of advisories in your area. Start or stop water service Instructions for starting or stopping water service. Higher than expected bills What to do if you have received a bill that seems too high, which may be a sign of a water leak. Enroll in e-billing Go green with E-Billing for your water utility services. Explore Related ServicesRelated Projects McDowell Street Water Line Replacement Happening Now Starting in late summer 2024, Hyatt Pipeline, LLC will replace approximately 6,600 feet of 12-inch water line on Short McDowell Street and on McDowell Street from Meadow Road to Southside Avenue. As much work as possible will be done at night to minimize traffic disruption. (function (c, i, t, y, z, e, n, x) { [...] Shiloh Water Service Line Inventory and Replacement The City of Asheville Water Resources has received a $2 Million grant to help determine the water service line material on both sides of a water meter – the utility- and customer-owned sections. The grant will allow the City to replace any water service lines that are found to be lead or galvanized iron pipe on both the utility- and customer-owned sections. Patton Avenue Waterline This water system distribution project is located along Patton Avenue (US-19) between Florida Avenue and Haywood Road. The project includes 7,000 feet of 24-inch waterline along with the installation of a 36-inch incasement pipe for a trenchless crossing of Patton Ave at New Leicester Highway, and other miscellaneous water system components including service connections and other appurtenances. Explore Related ProjectsWater News City of Asheville Water Resources Department recognized at People of Action Gala Posted on March 13, 2025 by Christy Edwards The City of Asheville Water Resources Department was recognized by the Asheville Rotary Club at its recent People of Action Gala. The event recognized outstanding local leaders who embody the Rotary mission of ‘service above self.’ Water Resources was recognized in the category Water Sanitation and Hygiene for its outstanding response in restoring potable water [...] Investing in Community Infrastructure: 2024 Progress & 2025 Outlook Posted on January 16, 2025January 21, 2025 by Meredith Friedheim While 2024 brought an unimaginably difficult ending (looking at you, Helene), still much was accomplished. From accessible sidewalks to public restrooms to playgrounds, the City of Asheville continues to invest in the quality of life for our community. Read on to find out about infrastructure improvements made throughout the city in 2024 and what’s in [...] Winter weather is on the way – How to prepare and follow best practices Posted on January 9, 2025January 9, 2025 by Jessica Hughes City of Asheville staff stands ready to serve the community through any emergency. Departments and personnel are staffed and ready to respond immediately to any weather related issue. The City of Asheville recommends that all residents take important steps now to prepare for cold weather throughout the season. The snow and cold weather in the forecast [...] Explore Water News
Learn more about our water, the environment and waste reduction The City of Asheville Water Resources Department has an education program. We offer tours of our water treatment plants, as well as lessons on the environment and water quality.
Pay your water bill How to pay your water bill, with convenient online, automatic draft, mail or in person options.
Rates and Fees View a list of water consumption charges for various types of activities, as well as information on other water fees.
Sewer services Find out about sewerage services provided by Metropolitan Sewerage District (MSD), and how to ask questions and find additional information.
Water quality and advisories View the yearly water quality report, current advisories and outages, as well as register to be notified of advisories in your area.
Higher than expected bills What to do if you have received a bill that seems too high, which may be a sign of a water leak.
McDowell Street Water Line Replacement Happening Now Starting in late summer 2024, Hyatt Pipeline, LLC will replace approximately 6,600 feet of 12-inch water line on Short McDowell Street and on McDowell Street from Meadow Road to Southside Avenue. As much work as possible will be done at night to minimize traffic disruption. (function (c, i, t, y, z, e, n, x) { [...]
Shiloh Water Service Line Inventory and Replacement The City of Asheville Water Resources has received a $2 Million grant to help determine the water service line material on both sides of a water meter – the utility- and customer-owned sections. The grant will allow the City to replace any water service lines that are found to be lead or galvanized iron pipe on both the utility- and customer-owned sections.
Patton Avenue Waterline This water system distribution project is located along Patton Avenue (US-19) between Florida Avenue and Haywood Road. The project includes 7,000 feet of 24-inch waterline along with the installation of a 36-inch incasement pipe for a trenchless crossing of Patton Ave at New Leicester Highway, and other miscellaneous water system components including service connections and other appurtenances.
City of Asheville Water Resources Department recognized at People of Action Gala Posted on March 13, 2025 by Christy Edwards The City of Asheville Water Resources Department was recognized by the Asheville Rotary Club at its recent People of Action Gala. The event recognized outstanding local leaders who embody the Rotary mission of ‘service above self.’ Water Resources was recognized in the category Water Sanitation and Hygiene for its outstanding response in restoring potable water [...]
Investing in Community Infrastructure: 2024 Progress & 2025 Outlook Posted on January 16, 2025January 21, 2025 by Meredith Friedheim While 2024 brought an unimaginably difficult ending (looking at you, Helene), still much was accomplished. From accessible sidewalks to public restrooms to playgrounds, the City of Asheville continues to invest in the quality of life for our community. Read on to find out about infrastructure improvements made throughout the city in 2024 and what’s in [...]
Winter weather is on the way – How to prepare and follow best practices Posted on January 9, 2025January 9, 2025 by Jessica Hughes City of Asheville staff stands ready to serve the community through any emergency. Departments and personnel are staffed and ready to respond immediately to any weather related issue. The City of Asheville recommends that all residents take important steps now to prepare for cold weather throughout the season. The snow and cold weather in the forecast [...]
