HENDERSON COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) — As drought conditions intensify across the mountains, some western North Carolina counties say their water systems are better prepared than in years past.
Hendersonville leaders point to a new water source they say could help protect the supply, even as dry conditions worsen across the region.
“This part of the state is under a drought, which ultimately and historically has affected our water supply. However, with the new French Broad River intake, we are much less vulnerable to those drought conditions,” said Adam Steurer, Hendersonville’s utilities director.
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In February, Hendersonville Water and Sewer opened its fourth water source, which draws from the French Broad River rather than relying solely on surface water sources. Officials say the river provides a more reliable supply.
“It’s a larger river[…] it has a larger watershed, so there’s more water available in the French Broad River for drinking water supply,” Steurer said.
Just over the mountains in Waynesville, leaders say their water system is also in a strong position.
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“Right now, we are at capacity at the water reservoir, so no concerns about drought. Of course, it depends on the timeline. As long as the system’s been around, I believe we’ve only had one voluntary water restriction, and that was in 2016,” said Candace Poolton, Waynesville’s public information officer.
Steurer said if drought conditions worsen, Hendersonville has the option to rely on the French Broad River intake. For now, he said, customers should not expect changes.
“We encourage water conservation at all times, even when we’re not in drought. However, at this time, with the Hendersonville water supply, which we serve all of Henderson County, we do not see imposing water use restrictions on our customers anytime in the near future,” Steurer said.