BLACK MOUNTAIN, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The town reconnected with Asheville’s water system, but that doesn’t mean the water is safe to drink.

Town officials said the 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,” a statement from the town said.

Because of the high amount of sediment in the water, people should expect to see discoloration.

Some customers may not have water pressure because of the number of leaks.

Buncombe County Health and Human Services said food establishments are prohibited from operating during a water outage or sewage backup in the kitchen area. Violations can cause imminent health hazards and may lead to suspension or revocation of a permit. Please contact Environmental Health at 828-250-5016 for any related needs.

If you are not receiving Code Red alerts, 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.
  • NC building inspectors and members of the Red Cross will be assessing structures in the Black Mountain area over the next week. They will have proper identification cards and will be able to present them to you.

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 before power is restored to keep it from burning up because of no water. Residents should also turn off their ice makers.

If your power is still out, please switch your front porch light on, this helps linemen tell if the power is restored
and streamlines electricity restoration operations.

Town Public Water System

As water distribution is restored and begins to flow, ensure all faucets are turned off. 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, or if you notice leaks in the water main, please report it to the Town Water Department at 828-419-9300. Please limit water use until systems are fully operational, even if water resumes.

Cold weather safety

As the temperatures start to get cooler, make sure you are taking precautions to keep yourself and your family safe.

  • Never run generators indoors. Never use a gas oven to heat your home. Make sure you have a functioning carbon
    monoxide detector. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using a portable heater. If your heat goes out,
    keep warm indoors by closing off rooms, dressing in layers, and wearing a cap.
  • Clothing is available at Phil’s BBQ Pit at 701 NC 9 Hwy and the Ingles Distribution Site at 550 NC 9 Hwy.

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.