ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Asheville city leaders are urging state and federal partners to provide funding for critical pretreatment systems at two of the city’s water facilities, as the region’s watershed remains vulnerable following Tropical Storm Helene.
At a City Council agenda briefing on June 5, officials highlighted the ongoing need for temporary Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) pretreatment systems — installed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at the North Fork and DeBruhl water treatment facilities after the September 2024 storm. These systems were designed to reduce turbidity and protect the city’s water supply from elevated sediment levels caused by extensive tree loss in the watershed.
The temporary systems provide a vital layer of resilience, Clay Chandler, public information officer for Asheville’s Water Resources Department, said. Without them, 80 percent of the city’s water system — essentially everything north of the Blue Ridge Parkway — would face service disruptions, according to city documents.
The pretreatment units began operating in early December 2024, following a rapid design phase initiated in October. Their initial six-month lease was extended by 90 days in May, with the current agreement set to expire in early August 2025. No long-term funding commitments have been made.
An engineering analysis conducted by Schnabel PC South found that Helene caused significant canopy loss — 15 percent at North Fork and 35 percent at DeBruhl. As a result, sediment inflow into the reservoirs is projected to increase by up to 20 times and 50 times, respectively, in the first year post-storm. These numbers are expected to drop, but not normalize, by the second year.
If current systems are overwhelmed or shut down to prevent filter damage, the DAFs would need to handle 100 percent of the city’s water treatment load. In the absence of functioning pretreatment systems, North Fork would be forced to supply highly chlorinated raw water, triggering a boil water advisory — mirroring conditions immediately following Helene, city documents said.
To maintain service, the city will issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) to assume management of the temporary systems. Officials said they continue to coordinate with FEMA and state partners to secure long-term solutions, including permanent infrastructure.
The temporary and permanent systems are under review for funding through FEMA’s Public Assistance Program.
The next Asheville City Council meeting is scheduled for 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 10, in Council Chambers at City Hall, 70 Court Plaza. Members of the public can attend in person, watch the live stream or view a recording on the city’s YouTube channel.
Click here to see the agenda.