Buncombe county officials address storm-damaged wells, urge disinfection

Buncombe County officials address storm-damaged wells, urge disinfection

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — The Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office is working with Environmental Health to ensure residents with storm-damaged wells have access to safe drinking water, following recent flooding in the area.

In a statement released Saturday, officials said that wells flooded or structurally damaged during the storm must be disinfected to prevent health risks. A flooded well is defined as one that had water over the top at any point during the storm.

Residents are urged to follow disinfection instructions, which can be found on the Buncombe Ready website or through resources provided by the sheriff’s office. Once a well has been disinfected, homeowners can call 828-250-5016 to schedule a water sample collection.

The phone line for scheduling testing will be active starting Monday, October 7, according to the sheriff’s office.

Further guidance is available through the county’s website or by contacting local health authorities directly.

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