Asheville Residents Face First Post-Hurricane Water Bills, Modified Charges in Place
Asheville, NC – As the city recovers from the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene, residents are receiving their first water bills since the storm. While the city worked diligently to restore safe drinking water, regular billing cycles were paused. Now, with potable water flowing again, Asheville Water Resources is resuming normal billing practices, but with some key adjustments to reflect the unusual circumstances.
Clay Chandler, spokesperson for the Water Resources Department, explained that the water consumption charge on these bills has been set to $0. This covers all water usage from the billing cycle before Helene wreaked havoc until the most recent meter reading. Essentially, residents won’t be charged for the period the water was deemed unsafe to drink, roughly from the end of September through mid-November. "Those fees are designed, again, for assessment six times per year for each of the services," Chandler stated, referencing water, sewer, storm water and sanitation services. "That includes the water base fee, the sewer maintenance fee, the storm water base fee and the sanitation fees. What it does not include, again, is a water consumption charge for the billing period impacted by Hurricane Helene, from the end of September through mid-November.”
However, sewer treatment charges remain unchanged, as the Metropolitan Sewer District continued operating throughout the crisis.
Because one full billing cycle was missed due to the hurricane’s impact, flat fees for various services have been doubled on the most recent bill. Chandler noted, “That includes the water base fee, the sewer maintenance fee, the storm water base fee and the sanitation fees.”
Recognizing the financial strain the hurricane may have caused, city officials have also announced a delay in assessing delinquent fees for utility bills. These charges will not be applied until after March 1, 2025, providing residents with ample time to get their finances back on track. Those struggling with bill payments are encouraged to contact Water Customer Services at 828-251-1122 to discuss options.
Regular billing rates will resume with the subsequent billing cycle. ASHEVILLE RESIDENTS CAUTIOUS AS CITY OFFERS FREE WATER TESTING KITS AMID LEAD CONCERNS
This news comes as a reminder of the enduring impact of Hurricane Helene on the community. While the water is flowing freely again, the road to full recovery for Asheville and its residents remains ongoing.
