Update on Town water system, Boil Water notice still in effect
issued by the Town of Black Mountain on November 4, 2024
Status report: Town water system
The Town of Black Mountain’s water system and equipment sustained significant damage from Hurricane Helene, including flooded well houses and buildings, flooded generators, downed power lines, and main water transmission lines that were washed out from floodwaters. Crews worked around the clock to get water lines repaired and get water flowing again to Black Mountain customers by mid-October.
However, the buildings, equipment, and infrastructure essential for the ongoing permanent functionality of the Town’s water system still have to be fully repaired and rebuilt. While the Town remains committed to restoring services and facilities as quickly as possible, this simply will take some time.
Until all of this is accomplished, Town of Black Mountain water customers remain under a Boil Water Notice.
Once all repairs are complete and laboratory testing of the system confirms the possibility of risk is not present, customers will receive notification that the Boil Water Notice has been lifted via CodeRED and other official forms of communication from the Town of Black Mountain.
A Boil Water Notice is still in effect for Town of Black Mountain water customers
As of November 4, 2024, a Boil Water Notice remains in effect for all Town of Black Mountain water customers until further notice.
Please note: If you pay your water bill to Asheville, follow their announcements for water updates.
What is a Boil Water notice?
A Boil Water Notice means there is contamination due these possible factors: loss of pressure in distribution system pipes, the potential for untreated water in the distribution system from pipe breaks, and levels of turbidity (particles) that exceed Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
Your water may look cloudy and/or have a chlorine odor.
IT IS REQUIRED FOR CUSTOMERS TO VIGOROUSLY BOIL TAP WATER FOR ONE (1) MINUTE BEFORE CONSUMING IT.
Water can be used for flushing toilets, laundry, bathing, and washing hands for basic personal hygiene, but not for home or commercial food preparation. During bathing, please monitor small children to ensure they do not accidentally drink the water. Infants can be given sponge baths.
Guidance for washing dishes
Dishwasher: If your dishwasher has a sanitizing cycle or reaches a final rinse temperature of at least 170°F, you can use it. Check your dishwasher's manual or contact the manufacturer to confirm.
Hand-washing dishes: Wash and rinse dishes using hot water, then soak them in a solution of 1 tablespoon of unscented bleach per gallon of warm water for at least one minute. Allow the dishes to air dry completely before using them again.
Disposable items: If possible, use disposable plates, cups, bowls, and flatware.
How to receive water system updates
As assessments and repairs progress, the Town of Black Mountain will continue to provide updates via several communication channels.
To receive phone call notifications whenever there are water system updates, sign up for the Town’s CodeRED notification system for free by visiting townofblackmountain.org/172/CodeRED.
In addition to Code Red notification, water announcements will also be made via press releases, local media outlets, online at www.townofblackmountain.org, the official Town Facebook page at www.fb.com/townofblackmountain, and via this website.
If you do not have water
If you do not have water, let the Town Water Administration department know at 828-419-9300.
