ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Water resources staff began pressuring and filling the North Fork bypass line Thursday night. The challenge remains the turbidity (amount of sediment) in the reservoir.

Areas are being restored incrementally; the process includes moving west from Northfork to Asheville. Crews are doing intentional work that first includes pressurizing, moving lines and making repairs as they appear. Swannanoa is recognized as ground zero for the water system destruction and work will take place there starting this weekend.

Important water safety

As some areas begin receiving water, there are important water safety measures residents should take.

When water becomes available it is important to note it will have more sediment than usual.

  • Turn off icemakers and cut off water from toilets while not in use.
  • If you get water from the city of Asheville, you are under a boil water notice. You must boil this water vigorously for at least 1 minute before you can use it for consumption, such as cooking, brushing teeth and drinking. It is safe to use this water for showers but avoid getting water in the mouth. Sponge baths may be more appropriate for babies and small children.
  • If you get water that looks dirty, close the valve to your water heater to prevent sediment from accumulating.
  • If you begin receiving water that looks dirty, shut off the power to your water heater to prevent sediment from accumulating. When clean water is restored, you can turn it back on.
  • If you do not have water, turn your water heater off to prevent a fire. You can turn this back on when clean water is restored.

Because Black Mountain has multiple water sources, some residents have begun receiving water. If you have water in Black Mountain do not drink it or give it to pets, even if you boil it, it is not safe to consume. Only use it to flush your toilet.

Heating safety

As the weather turns cold, Black Mountain Fire Chief John Coffey urges people to follow safe heating practices.

Guidelines include:

  • Do not use ovens, BBQ grills or anything inside your home that is not approved for home heating. Call your fire department to get more guidance.
  • Follow safety recommendations for generators, and do not operate them inside your home. Those must be at least 20 feet from your house and with vents or windows due to carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms include headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath and more. Seek fresh air and call 911.
  • Use a carbon monoxide detector with working batteries.

Solid waste

The landfill will be open from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday. The Transfer station at Hominy Creek will be open from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday for household bagged trash only.

Debris pickup

Debris removal continues at critical infrastructures including medical, sewer and school facilities. Residential debris removal for Buncombe County and the city of Asheville will begin next.

  • Separate storm-related debris at the curb in the right of way according to material type: appliances, construction debris, vegetative debris and electronics.
  • Debris removal is not a one-pass operation. There will be multiple trucks and passes, so residents do not have to place all debris out at one time or worry if they have debris left.
  • Do not place debris near or on trees, poles or other structures. This includes fire hydrants, meters and curbside trash carts.
  • Do not block the roadway for large trucks/emergency vehicles.
  • Contractors cannot pick up debris on private property.
  • Do not attempt the cleanup process without proper PPE: masks, long pants, safety glasses, gloves and sturdy shoes are recommended.
  • Residents should not attempt to take debris to the landfill. Mud/soil will not be accepted at any Buncombe County disposal facility.

Community Care Stations

A Community Care Station is now open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in Swannanoa at 2319 Hwy 70. There are showers, laundry, bathrooms and access to cell towers, Wi-Fi, potable and non-potable water and counseling. Hot meals will be available between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. If possible, bring detergent, shower shoes, towels and toiletries, otherwise they will be provided. Emergency responders will have access to the station outside of public hours.

A comfort care station has also opened at AC Reynolds High. However, the laundry component is not yet fully operational. Novant Health has also deployed a mobile clinic and pharmacy to the station.

Disaster Recovery Center

The Disaster Recovery Center at AC Reynolds High School (1 Rocket Drive, Asheville) is a one-stop shop for assistance, including FEMA and the Small Business Administration. Anyone impacted by the storm can visit the Disaster Recovery Center to begin a report with FEMA. Assistance teams are also going out in the community to help survivors apply for assistance and report any emerging need. Please be cautious of scammers — FEMA will never ask for money and staff will always have a badge.

Dogwood Health Trust

Dogwood Health Trust has distributed about $30 million in relief funding to local organizations that are delivering food and other assistance in the hardest-hit areas, helping obtain FEMA aid and maintaining critical health services, CEO Susan Mims said. Local organizations are also distributing the money in the form of smaller grants.

The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina is issuing $25,000 grants for frontline human service needs (apply on their website or call 828-254-4960).

Asheville–Buncombe Technical Community College

All A-B Tech campuses are being used in the relief effort. A-B Tech is projecting an opening date of Oct.28, and some programs, including nursing, allied health and emergency services will start earlier. Details on all fall re-entry can be found on abtech.edu under “Helene Recovery.” Visit Abtech.edu/giving to support students and employees.

Veterans Medical Center

A reminder that veterans can obtain medication by going to the Charles George Veterans Medical Center in person at 1100 Tunnel Road in Asheville, by calling 855-679-0074 and pressing 1 for the pharmacy or by going to any pharmacy in the network with a prescription as long as it is not older than three months. The Franklin, Hickory and Master Seargent Jerry K. Crump VA clinics are open normal hours. The Charles George Veterans Medical Center is providing essential services, pharmacy and emergency care.

Asheville updates

  • Regular household trash and recycling pick-up schedules will begin Monday, Oct. 14 where locations are accessible. Waste and recycling should be properly separated for collection starting Monday. I
  • Asheville’s public transit ART will expand services to 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and will continue to operate for free. Customers can waive a bus down.
  • City offices and parks will be closed until further notice.
  • Curfew hours are now 11 p.m.- 6 a.m.
  • Members of the public can once again report missing persons and request welfare checks by calling 828-252-1110.
  • Asheville Fire Department continues efforts in heavily affected areas and canvassing neighborhoods for needs.
  • Burning yard waste and debris is not allowed within city limits due to many safety concerns.
  • Report any hazardous materials to ncdwmspills@deq.nc.gov.