Asheville Reporter

The Water Resources Department in Asheville paused all billing activities when Hurricane Helene struck. The decision was made to halt billing until the system could deliver potable water again, following the devastation caused by Tropical Storm Helene.

A significant milestone was achieved on November 18, 2024, when the boil water notice was lifted system-wide, marking a safe return to normal service. Consequently, billing activities are now set to resume.

Water Resources officer Clay Chandler provided details about upcoming bills during a briefing on December 2. He explained that meter reading resumed the same week potable water services were restored.

Customers can expect their utility statements to include charges for water, sewer, stormwater, and sanitation services where applicable. Utility flat fee charges are billed bimonthly or six times per fiscal year. The Water Consumption Charge has been adjusted to $0.00 for all usage from the last bill before the storm through the current meter reading period. This adjustment covers nonpotable water use from late September through mid-November.

Sewer treatment will be billed at regular rates since the Metropolitan Sewerage District remained operational throughout and treated wastewater as usual. Due to a missed bimonthly billing cycle during storm recovery, flat fees for other services will be doubled on recent bills. These fees apply six times annually for related services like water base fee, sewer maintenance, stormwater, and sanitation roll carts but do not include a water consumption charge for the affected period.

The City of Asheville announced that no delinquent fees would be assessed on utility statements until after March 1, 2025. Customers with questions or who need more time to pay can contact Water Customer Services at 251-1122. Payment plans are available upon request. Regular rates will resume with the next billing cycle.