Water and Wastewater System Updates

Update 9/27/24 11:00 PM

Critical City of Hendersonville infrastructure including the Water Treatment Plant and Wastewater Treatment Plant have been impacted by Tropical Storm Helene. 

The Hendersonville Water Treatment Plant is not operating at full capacity. Once the flooding recedes and crews are able to safely access the Mills River intake, they will evaluate and determine when the intake can be brought fully back online and restore production to regular levels. 

There are multiple line breaks and leaks throughout the distribution system. Due to the challenges of navigating through the county, crews have been unable to fully assess damaged lines and infrastructure. 

We are aware of two large sections of the system that are without water. Customers east of I-26 are without water due to breaks in the system and depleted eastside storage tank. Saluda customers are without water due to a break in the transmission line. There is the potential for additional customers to lose water. Staff are continuing to assess the situation and will evaluate the water loss levels to determine if additional portions of the system need to be isolated. 

Customers who have experienced low pressure or no pressure are advised to follow the City’s System Pressure Advisory protocols. This includes utilizing bottled water or boiling water before consumption if the customer has that option. 

System Pressure Advisory Information is at www.hvlnc.gov/wateralerts. 

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. 

What is a System Pressure Advisory? 

A System Pressure Advisory is a public notification informing water customers to boil their tap water before using it for drinking purposes. Advisories are issued in response to an event that could allow contaminants to enter the water distribution system.  

All Hendersonville water customers were placed under a System Pressure Advisory due to the outages and pressure drops caused by the damage to the system. 

What should I do during a System Pressure Advisory? 

Tap water should be boiled vigorously for at least one full minute prior to using. Timing should begin when the water begins to bubble. Water should be boiled for the following uses: drinking, cooking, ice making, washing dishes, brushing teeth, preparing food or drinks and watering animals. Wait for the water to cool before using. 

When will my water service return? 

There are still multiple line breaks and leaks throughout the distribution system. Due to the challenges of navigating through the county, crews have been unable to fully assess damaged lines and infrastructure. Staff are continuing to assess the situation and are evaluating locations where water is being lost in the system and work to isolate them.   

It will take time to bring the system back to normal levels and make repairs. Staff are prioritizing areas with the highest number of impacted customers and critical public health and safety customers. 

Why does my water appear cloudy or dirty? 

The discoloration consists of minerals, sediments and fine air bubbles. Although the water does not pose a health risk, it is recommended to avoid drinking the water until it runs clear from the tap.   

How will I know if the advisory has been lifted?  

Hendersonville Water and Sewer will lift the system pressure advisory when the results from the testing have confirmed the water is safe to drink. You will receive a notification in the same manner that you received the advisory. 

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.