On November 18, 2024, the City of Asheville Water Resources Department announced the lifting of the Boil Water Notice that was put in place following Hurricane Helene. Recent laboratory tests conducted on November 16 and 17 have confirmed that the water supply is safe from contaminants. Residents are no longer advised to use bottled water for consumption.

Despite this development, the department anticipates an initial surge in water demand and advises residents to temporarily refrain from large-volume activities such as filling bathtubs, watering landscapes, filling swimming pools, and taking long showers. Normal water usage for drinking, cooking, bathing, handwashing, and dishwashing can resume.

Customers with plumbing installed before 1988 are recommended to flush their cold water taps for 30 seconds to two minutes before using the water for consumption. This should be done daily. Appliances with filters like icemakers and hot water heaters can be turned back on according to manufacturer instructions if they were off for a prolonged period.

For updates on Water Resources' recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene, residents can visit ashevillenc.gov/helene/water-services-recovery or call 828-251-1122.