Town of Black Mountain lifts Boil Water Notice

Laboratory samples reveal clean water for first time in nearly two months

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
November 18, 2024

The Town of Back Mountain lifted a Boil Water Notice, Nov. 18, after potable water service returned to residents for the first time since Tropical Storm Helene. Photo by Fred McCormick

A Boil Water Notice, issued by the Town of Black Mountain after Tropical Storm Helene damaged critical infrastructure throughout the region, was lifted, Nov. 18, returning potable water service to residents for the first time since Sept. 27.

The announcement follows reports that samples of water from the North Fork Reservoir, analyzed Nov. 16 and 17, by the City of Asheville Water Resources Department, were determined to be free of contaminants.

“It is no longer advised for customers to use bottled water for consumption,” the Town of Black Mountain stated in a press release.

“Because Water Resources expects an initial increase in demand, customers are encouraged to temporarily avoid large-volume activities like filling bathtubs, watering landscaping, filling swimming pools and taking abnormally long showers,” the announcement said. “Otherwise, normal usage for consumption (drinking and cooking), hygiene (bathing and handwashing) and dishwashing may resume. Like it was before Helene, it is advisable for customers, especially those with plumbing installed before 1988, to flush your cold water tap for 30 seconds to two minutes before gathering water for consumption. That process should be followed daily.”

Thousands of residents across Western N.C. were left without electricity or water, Sept. 27, when flooding and landslides destroyed service lines. Black Mountain citizens began receiving non-potable water, Oct. 17, after public service crews replaced damaged equipment.

Town water customers receive approximately 60% of their water from the City of Asheville and 40% from a system of local wells.