BLACK MOUNAIN, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Water is expected to start flowing to parts of the area Thursday, town officials said. This water is not drinkable, even if you boil it. It is NOT TO BE USED for anything other than flushing toilets. This warning will be in effect until further notice. Expect the water to be discolored because of the high amount of sediment in it.

As water distribution is restored and begins to flow, ensure all faucets are turned off at your residence. If you notice a leak or dripping faucet, please shut off the water main from your meter box. You will not receive a penalty for this. If you notice a leak at your residence and are unable to shut your meter off, please contact the water department at 828-419-9300 and request someone shut it off for you. This helps maintain the necessary water pressure and will expedite full restoration.

Please limit water use until systems are fully operational, even if water resumes.

If you have not been receiving Code Red announcements, click here to register for water and emergency updates.

Situation report

  • More than 150 personnel are supporting the town in response to Hurricane Helene. Resources have arrived from all over the East Coast, with a team coming in from Maine to support local emergency responders. The town is also continuing to work closely with state and federal partners.
  • For your safety, avoid getting into the rivers and streams and avoid town park facilities until they are officially reopened.
  • The town has suspended all development fees through June 30, 2025. You must still obtain a permit from the town prior to beginning any work.
  • Please do NOT burn brush within the town limits. Fire danger is increasing and could present a serious danger.
  • A townwide curfew remains in effect from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. until further notice.
  • Click here to learn about FEMA disaster assistance. BEWARE OF SCAMMERS. Do not give your personal information to any personnel without an identification badge. All FEMA support will be in identifiable uniforms or vests.

Road access

  • Fire and police are asking that residents and visitors avoid any non-essential travel. Increased traffic is causing congestion, which is hindering necessary repairs. Damaged roadways may not be able to support heavy traffic.
  • Be mindful that there is a current shortage of barricades for safety purposes on damaged roads. Not all hazards are marked. Please use extreme caution when driving.

Electricity

  • Residents should turn off the water heater breakers at their homes when power is restored to keep itfrom burning up due to no water. Also, residents should turn off their ice makers.
  • If your power is still out please turn your front porch light on, this helps linemen tell if the power is restored quicker and streamlines electricity restoration operations

Food and Water Distribution

  • Supplies of food and drinking water are available daily for distribution from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Ingles in Black Mountain, 550 N.C. 9. Ice will be available.
  • Supplies are available at Black Mountain Presbyterian Church, 117 Montreat Road, Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Supplies and meals are available at The Railyard, 141 S. Richardson Blvd., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.
  • Residents can visit the Black Mountain Pool area at 401 Laurel Circle Drive on Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. for potable water, supplies, a landline phone and solar showers.

Trash and Sanitation

  • The Black Mountain Public Works Department has secured four dumpsters for household trash only. These locations are at the Black Mountain Ingles, 550 N.C. 9, near the car wash area and in the public parking lot on Terry Estate Drive.
  • The Tractor Supply location is no longer available.
  • If these dumpsters are full, do NOT overfill them and do not leave bags outside the dumpsters. No separate recycling is available at this time.
  • Drop-off sites are for Black Mountain residents only, so be prepared to show identification.
  • Dumpster collection is not available on Sunday.
  • Law enforcement will be present to ensure appropriate conduct is upheld.
  • Public restrooms (port-a-johns) and handwashing stations are available at the Black Mountain Ingles, 550 N.C. 9.
  • If you have questions regarding sewer backup, call the Metropolitan Sewerage District at 828-768-0540

Medical

  • There are medical services available at the Ingles Black Mountain point of distribution.
  • There is a mental health and basic medical support center at the South entrance to the First Baptist Church at 130 Montreat Road that is open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The center will open at noon Sunday.

Charging & Connectivity

  • A mobile charging and internet connectivity station is available in the lower parking lot of First Baptist Church in Black Mountain. 130 Montreat Road.