Black Mountain works to restore water and sanitation services

Town officials warn water ‘not drinkable’, move to replace sanitation trucks

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
October 12, 2024

The Town of Black Mountain will replace its fleet of sanitation trucks, which remain inoperable after Tropical Storm Helene. Photo by Fred McCormick

As Black Mountain enters its second week without water or sanitation, following Tropical Storm Helene, town officials are continuing to work on restoring both services.

While no timetable exists for the return of drinkable water, crews continue to identify and repair leaks. Customers currently receiving water are being advised to use it only for flushing toilets.

Black Mountain, which was previously pumping some water through its well system, reconnected to the City of Asheville supply, Oct. 10. Elevated levels of sediment in the North Fork Reservoir will not allow the water to be treated through the filtration system, according to Black Mountain Town Manager Josh Harrrold.

“It is not drinkable even if boiled,” he said. “My understanding is that those sediments levels are going down, continuously, but the primary purpose of restoring the connection is to charge our system.”

Increased water flow to the pipes allows local public works crews, who are being assisted by agencies from outside districts, to locate and repair small leaks, he added.

“We’re still in the first stage of the restoration process,” Harrold said. “Our next stage will be to issue a boil water advisory, once those sediment levels come down. I know this has been hard on folks, but right now it’s just a matter of time.”

Progress is being made to restore sanitation services, which has been delayed after flood damage rendered the town’s fleet of trucks inoperable. The municipality is offering dumpsters at the Black Mountain Ingles and in the public parking lot on Terry Estate Drive for residents to dispose of household trash.

The town council, in an Oct. 7 special call meeting, moved funding from its unassigned fund balance to a disaster relief fund.

“I am working with a garbage truck supplier that has trucks in stock now, and we may be able to have them here by next week,” Harrold said.

Parks and greenways remain closed in Black Mountain, as officials assess the widespread damage. A town curfew, from 7 p.m. - 6 a.m., remains in effect.

The town has suspended permit fees for residential, commercial, trade, land disturbance and floodplain work through June 30, 2025, while property owners are still required to apply for necessary permits before commencing.

“Things are getting a little smoother each day,” Harrold said of town operations, which transitioned back to town hall, Oct. 7. “As we continue our transition, we plan to issue a (Request For Quotes) to contract with a disaster management service to come in and oversee the disaster relief efforts.”