Extensive Damage to Asheville's Water System Revealed by Drone Images
- Hurricane Helene caused catastrophic damage to Asheville's water system, leaving tens of thousands without running water for over a week.
- Drone footage revealed extensive destruction, with large broken pipes visible underground, particularly at the water distribution site.
- City officials are assessing the damage and have not provided a timeline for repairs, highlighting the challenges of rebuilding a resilient water system.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Asheville, North Carolina, is facing significant challenges with its water system. The storm caused catastrophic damage, leaving tens of thousands without running water for over a week. City officials, including Assistant City Manager Ben Woody, have described the destruction as extensive, with large sections of broken pipes visible deep underground. Drone footage has revealed the scale of the damage, particularly at the city's water distribution site along old US 70. Despite previous reinforcements made to the piping system two decades ago, the hurricane's powerful winds and flooding proved overwhelming. The city and county officials have not provided a timeline for repairs, citing the complexity of the situation. Mayor Esther Manheimer acknowledged the difficulty of constructing a system capable of withstanding such severe weather events, emphasizing the need for community awareness and transparency during the recovery process. The city is committed to rebuilding, but the road ahead remains uncertain as they assess the full extent of the damage and plan for future resilience.