The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has sent a second mobile laboratory to Watauga County, North Carolina. This move is part of an effort to assist the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ), the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), and local health departments in testing drinking water following Hurricane Helene.
The deployment aims to increase water testing capacity in rural communities affected by the hurricane, particularly those in remote areas. The first mobile lab located in Asheville has already tested over 500 drinking water samples to aid NCDEQ, NCDHHS, and Buncombe County. The EPA remains committed to supporting county health departments and state resources to ensure that storm-impacted communities receive necessary analyses.
"Placing a second mobile laboratory in Watauga County will expand water testing capacity in rural communities," stated an EPA representative.
It is important to note that EPA’s mobile labs only accept water samples from water utilities, NCDEQ, and local health departments—not from residents. Owners of private wells that were completely flooded or damaged are encouraged to contact their local health department for testing requests. Additional guidance for well owners can be found in an NCDHHS Fact Sheet on well disinfection.
For further details on the mobile lab operations and updates on water testing efforts, visit the EPA Hurricane Helene Response website.
