What we know about where to find water

Update Sunday, September 29th afternoon:

Water may be available in these locations

Lowes: 95 Smokey Park Highway, Asheville, NC
Home Depot:
- 795 Fairview Rd, Asheville, NC
- 127 Acton Cir, Asheville, NC
Pisgah Brewing Company: 2849 US 70 (Water available 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., BYO sanitary containers)
Publix: 165 Weaver Blvd

More:What’s open in Western NC? Where to get gas, groceries and more after Helene

Update Sunday, September 29th:

District Manager Avril Pinder said they were still working on setting up food and water distribution points. None are currently available. They expect distribution locations to be open Monday as supplies arrive.

More:When will water be restored in Asheville? Here’s how to stay safe when it comes to boiling water advice

More:Western North Carolina flooding: 10 confirmed deaths in Buncombe County from Helene; still no water distribution points

More:Flooding in Helene Destroys Asheville River Arts District Businesses: ‘Totally Destroyed’

More:Asheville Airport: Most flights canceled; Travelers were asked to check with airlines

This story will be updated.

ASHEVILLE – The county is working to open water distribution sites and will announce the locations when they open, Buncombe County Manager Avril Pinder said.

None are open until September 28th at 4 p.m.

“We expect to have it ready tomorrow,” Pinder said.

“For most of us, we are still without water, without electricity and without mobile communications.”

Ryan Cole, deputy director of Buncombe County Emergency Services, said the Highway Patrol was trying to escort “needed supplies” and resources to the area.

Interstate 26 is open to South Carolina, he said.

“So we’re able to use those resources to get those in. All other access points, from I-40 via Old Fort Mountain; I-40 through the canyon; and I-26 into Tennessee will remain closed for an extended period of time due to the damage.”

Cole said it took “multiple semi-truckloads” of resources, including food and water, to get to the area.

Because there was only one access point, Cole urged people not to drive unless necessary.

“Please stay home so we can provide these resources,” he said.

“Once we receive this, we will coordinate with the City of Asheville to set up distribution sites. We will have food and water distribution points in Buncombe County, the city of Asheville and surrounding communities.”

He said the amount that could be paid out to each household would likely be “minimal.”

“Fill bathtubs”

Customers who currently have water should fill bathtubs and other available containers to prepare for loss of service, the city said in a Sept. 28 update. Since resources are limited, people have been advised to use potable water only for drinking and not for flushing.

The State Emergency Operations Center is sending drinking water to Asheville, the update said. Designated distribution points will be set up and a distribution system is currently being set up.

When will water supply be restored?

Preliminary assessments of Asheville’s water system showed the storm had caused severe damage, said Assistant City Manager Ben Woody. “This means extensive repairs are needed to restore our water system.”

Government and private sector partners have been engaged to initiate the procurement process for additional materials, equipment and personnel. The assessment is ongoing and will continue as flooding recedes, he said.

He reminded people that there is a boil water advisory, which means boil water vigorously for at least a minute before using it as drinking water.

This is a “generational weather event,” Woody said. “While it is impossible to provide an exact timeline, I want to be clear that restoring service will be a lengthy effort.”

This story will be updated.

Sarah Honosky is a city reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. News tips? Email [email protected] or message @slhonosky on Twitter. Please support local, daily journalism with a subscription to Citizen Times.

Water may be available in these locations

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