Asheville’s North Fork Water Treatment Plant: What Happened to the ‘Pristine’ Reservoir?

A History of Trouble

The North Fork Water Treatment Plant has been plagued with problems for years. In 2016, the plant was cited for numerous violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act. These violations included failing to properly filter the water, failing to disinfect the water, and failing to monitor the water for contaminants.

In 2017, the plant was again cited for violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act. These violations included failing to properly filter the water, failing to disinfect the water, and failing to monitor the water for contaminants.

In 2018, the plant was once again cited for violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act. These violations included failing to properly filter the water, failing to disinfect the water, and failing to monitor the water for contaminants.

The Current Crisis

In July 2019, the North Fork Water Treatment Plant was shut down after tests revealed that the water was contaminated with fecal coliform bacteria. Fecal coliform bacteria are a type of bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal illness. The plant was shut down for several days while the water was disinfected and tested.

The plant was reopened in August 2019, but the problems continued. In September 2019, the plant was again shut down after tests revealed that the water was contaminated with E. coli bacteria. E. coli bacteria are a type of bacteria that can cause serious gastrointestinal illness, including diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps.

The plant was reopened in October 2019, but the problems continued. In November 2019, the plant was again shut down after tests revealed that the water was contaminated with lead. Lead is a toxic metal that can cause serious health problems, including brain damage and developmental delays.

The Future of the North Fork Water Treatment Plant

The future of the North Fork Water Treatment Plant is uncertain. The plant has been plagued with problems for years, and it is unclear whether the problems can be fixed. The plant is currently shut down, and it is unclear when it will reopen.

In the meantime, residents of Asheville are being advised to boil their water before drinking or cooking with it. Boiling the water will kill any bacteria that may be present.

Conclusion

The North Fork Water Treatment Plant has been plagued with problems for years. The plant has been cited for numerous violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act, and it has been shut down several times due to contamination. The future of the plant is uncertain, and residents of Asheville are being advised to boil their water before drinking or cooking with it.