Asheville, NC, October 14, 2025
News Summary
Asheville, N.C. experienced disruptions in water service due to two significant water line breaks on consecutive days. The city’s Water Resources department activated alerts for affected areas and provided guidelines for residents dealing with discolored water post-repairs. In addition, another water main break in neighboring Woodfin contributed to community concerns about aging water infrastructure, calling attention to Asheville’s historical issues with water outages and the need for improved management strategies.
Asheville Water Line Breaks Disrupt Service Twice
A water line break occurred in Asheville, N.C. on Sunday, Oct. 13, and again on Monday, Oct. 14, disrupting service in some areas. The city’s Water Resources department reported the initial break was repaired within a few hours, but a second break followed in the same vicinity early Monday morning, necessitating additional repairs.
Customer Alerts and Guidelines
Asheville’s water department provided alerts to customers regarding “water distribution work” impacting Old Charlotte Highway and Gashes Creek Road. Residents were cautioned that after repairs, they might experience discolored water or air in the lines and should wait for the water to clear before usage. In cases of persistent discolored water or air, customers were advised to flush cold water lines for 10-15 minutes after waiting 1-2 hours.
Further Service Interruptions in Woodfin
In addition to the issues in Asheville, a significant water main break in the Woodfin Water District disrupted service to homes and businesses in that area. Officials described the break as “pretty big,” although no estimate on the anticipated repair completion was available at the time of reporting.
Historical Context of Water Outages in Asheville
Asheville’s struggle with water infrastructure dates back to the Great Depression, with ongoing water line breaks and loss of treated water remaining a persistent concern. Water officials have pointed out that many of the city’s water lines are aging, with the average age of 27 broken lines estimated at 45 years. Cast iron pipes are particularly susceptible to breakage.
Historically, Asheville has experienced multiple water outages, which have at times led to boil water advisories and public frustration. These issues tend to occur around major holidays, further exacerbating community concerns.
Improvement Strategies
City officials and various stakeholders are emphasizing the need for enhanced communication and infrastructure management in order to mitigate future disruptions in water services. Ensuring the integrity of the water system will be vital for the well-being of Asheville residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the water line breaks in Asheville?
A water line break occurred in Asheville, N.C. on Sunday, Oct. 13, and again on Monday, Oct. 14.
How long did the repairs take?
The initial break on Sunday was repaired within a few hours.
What should customers do if they experience discolored water?
Customers were advised that after repairs, they might experience discolored water or air in the lines and should wait for the water to clear before using it. If discolored water or air persisted, customers were instructed to wait 1-2 hours and then flush cold water lines for 10-15 minutes.
What is the age of the water lines in Asheville?
The average age of 27 broken lines is estimated at 45 years; pipes made of cast iron are particularly prone to breakage.
Have water outages happened before in Asheville?
Yes, in the past, Asheville has faced numerous water outages, causing boil water advisories and public frustrations, including significant outages reported around major holidays.
Key Features of Water Line Break Events
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Breaks | October 13 and 14, 2023 |
| Location | Asheville, N.C. (Old Charlotte Highway and Gashes Creek Road) |
| Repair Timeline | Initial break repaired within hours; second break ongoing |
| Customer Advisory | Possible discolored water/air; flushing advised |
| Aging Infrastructure | Average age of broken lines: 45 years; prone to breakage |
| History of Outages | Frequent outages leading to boil water advisories |
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Additional Resources
- WLOS: Asheville Water Resources Department Line Break Disrupts Service Twice
- 828 News Now: Water Main Break Disrupts Service in Woodfin Area
- WLOS: Busy Asheville Street to be Closed for Water Line Repairs
- Mountain X: A Deep Dive into the Troubling History of Water Woes in Asheville
- Wikipedia: Water Supply and Sanitation in the United States
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
