ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The city of Asheville has shared an update on the water pre-treatment systems that have been temporarily installed at the North Fork and DeBruhl water treatment plants.

These systems, installed after Hurricane Helene hit the plants in September 2024, will remain in place through Nov. 30, 2025, thanks to funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

“On behalf of the city of Asheville, I want to thank Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem for obligating critical funds to support our community’s recovery from Tropical Storm Helene. We are deeply grateful to our partners at FEMA, the State, as well as Senators Ted Budd and Thom Tillis and Congressman Chuck Edwards for their continued advocacy and support of Asheville,” said Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer in a press release.

What to know about the pre-treatment systems

In the aftermath of Helene, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers installed the pre-treatment systems at the water plants to reduce turbidity, or cloudiness caused by disturbed sediment and debris.

“These systems have added a critical layer of protection for Asheville’s drinking water supply since Hurricane Helene and through this year’s hurricane season. FEMA funding has covered the operating costs of about $6 million per month,” the city wrote in the release. “While both watersheds remain vulnerable, conditions improve the longer we go without another severe weather event.”

Debris removal efforts are currently underway at North Fork, while DeBruhl debris will be removed at an as-yet-unspecified later date.

Read about the debris removal in our story here.

While the current pre-treatment systems are temporary, the city of Asheville is committed to finding a permanent system for the reservoirs in the future, the city said in the release.

“Water Resources has engaged two private engineering firms to perform pre-construction planning and design for permanent pre-treatment solutions at North Fork and DeBruhl,” the city wrote.

For more information and updates on water recovery projects, visit www.publicinput.com/k06762.