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Home / Department Pages / Water / Water Department Projects / Spring 2019 Discolored Water

Spring 2019 Discolored Water


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

Link to City of Asheville Facebook Live interview with David Melton, Water Resources Director – April 01, 2019

City statement on Monday morning water main break in River Arts District – April 01, 2019

Water crews flushing lines in wake of break; here’s who to call if your water does not clear – March 30, 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. This incident is related to a water line repair that caused significant amounts of sediment to mix in with the water supply. Our crews have been working around the clock to remove the sediment from the system. Based on the calls we’re receiving, it appears 5% customers are still affected by discolored water. We anticipate water should be back to normal by Friday, April 5.

The second event occurred on April 1.  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 in the same area. At this time, it appears the April 1 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.

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 when they are available.

 


Supporting Documents

 

Frequently asked questions about discolored water

Water Quality Lab Results

Environmental Testing Solutions Certificate of Analysis – April 02, 2019

2018 Water Quality Report

Presentation to Council – April 9, 2019

Samples Collected Report – March 26 to May 11, 2019 – Updated May 14, 2019

 

 


Contact Information

 

Elise Ayers, Administrative Assistant
828-259-5416

 


Updated 03/02/2020


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