News

UPDATE: City working on restoring water to areas that are without

By Lightning Reports, Published: September 30, 2024

Here's the latest from the city of Hendersonville on the water situation, garbage collection and other city services:

Currently all Hendersonville water customers remain under a system pressure advisory. Portions of the water system are experiencing outages and periods of low pressure in the distribution system.

Once an account owner’s water service is restored, customers who have electric or alternative power are advised to boil all water used for human consumption (including drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes and food preparation). Those without power are advised to use bottled water for the purposes mentioned above. Interruptions of water service require the issuance of a system pressure advisory.

Our partners at Henderson County have worked tirelessly to establish resource hubs at various community locations to distribute bottled water. If you are in need of bottled water, we recommend you obtain it at these hubs as well as the many organizations throughout the community who are stepping up to provide assistance. Hubs are at:

• Etowah Elementary, 320 Etowah School Road, Etowah
• Rugby Middle School, 3345 Haywood Road
• East Henderson High School, 150 Eagle Pride Drive, East Flat Rock
• North Henderson High School, 35 Fruitland Road
• Mills River Town Hall, 124 Town Center Drive, Mills River
• Fletcher Town Hall, 300 Old Cane Creek Road, Fletcher

Water restoration
Crews have made great progress in accessing flood damage at the water treatment plant and because of their efforts the plant’s ability to treat water has almost returned to pre-storm levels.

There are still multiple line breaks and leaks throughout the distribution system. Crews are making good progress in assessing damaged lines and infrastructure, although some areas of the County are still posing challenges in terms of access. Staff are continuing to assess the situation and are evaluating locations where water is being lost in the system, and working to isolate them.

We are aware that portions of the system, including communities in the Fletcher area, Edneyville and areas east of I-26, and Saluda are without water. As the repairs are made and reservoirs fill, the utility will begin bringing sections of the system back into water and repair line breaks.

It will take time to bring the system back to normal levels and distribution ability. Staff are prioritizing areas with the highest number of impacted customers and critical public health and safety customers. We are pleased that due to the around-the-clock work of our staff, we were able to restore water service to our local hospitals early in the recovery efforts.

At this time, general questions related to recovery efforts may be directed to the Henderson County’s call center number at 828-771-6670.

Customers who are fortunate enough to have water are asked to conserve water for only essential uses until the system can be repaired and water restored to all customers.

Public safety
As Duke Energy and its contractors continue work to restore power across Henderson County, assume all downed power lines are live. Many traffic lights in the city and county are still without power; when traffic lights at an intersection are out, drivers should treat it as a four-way stop.

City offices
The city offices are closed until further notice. The City Council will hold a special called meeting on Thursday, Oct. 3, at 5:45 p.m. on the second floor of City Hall, 160 6th Ave. E.

Sanitation
City public works will begin collecting solid waste and recycling today throughout the day. Collection will not follow the regular schedule according to customers’ assigned pickup days. Customers may put their solid waste and recycling carts on the street and crews will note their locations and collect as they are able. Excess residential garbage in tied and secured bags placed next to carts will also be collected with no additional fees.

Organized brush and debris may also be left by the curb, though storm debris pickup is not guaranteed. Henderson County and the City of Hendersonville will provide additional storm debris information as it is available.

Garbage and recycling should be left on the street until they are picked up, as collection will not be running on the typical schedule and the city is suspending typical rules on leaving carts on the street outside of normal collection times.

Brush and debris should be kept away from cans and any hazards, such as downed power lines. Items placed near hazards will not be collected.

Donations

Henderson County is accepting requests for supply donations for the community. Please contact Helene-donations@hcem.org if you are interested in donating items. Requested items include water, diapers, wipes, formula, hand sanitizer and more. Most items will be accepted except perishable goods, clothing and shoes. Financial donations can be made at: https://checkout.square.site/.../W3JSAQFWKYWJ4OTALKHPRW34