What's unusual about the aftermath of major flooding in Asheville, especially in comparison to Florida, is that the entire water system of the city was inoperable. A secondary intake pipe from the major reservoir had been installed in recent years . . . buried 20 feet deep in cement. The river scoured so deep that the pipe was toast. In addition, the storm stirred up the reservoir so much that the filtering system can't handle the water as it currently stands even after the intake pipe was fixed enough to pull in water.
The first article has more detail. That's from a local news outlet in Asheville that is part of the USA Today network.
October 11, 2024
Asheville reservoir to get direct water treatment in effort to speed return of supply
https://www.citizen-times.com/story...-takes-step-forward-at-reservoir/75603716007/
October 11, 2024
Two weeks without running water: This is life in Western North Carolina after Helene
" . . .
During a press conference with the murky lake as a backdrop, Asheville water resources director David Melton said the city will increase the amount of aluminum sulfate it uses in the reservoir. The chemical helps particulates clump together so they can drop to the bottom, making it possible for the water to pass through the plant’s filtration system.
The group also announced that workers had finished repairing a 36-inch distribution line in the system around 1 a.m. Thursday, which they described as a critical repair, but said it still could be weeks before the water is flowing to all customers.
. . ."