Water Shortage Advisory Remains in Effect As Water Levels Slowly Improve

NC Drought Map

Hendersonville Water & Sewer customers remain under a Stage 1 Water Shortage Advisory due to the region's moderate drought conditions and lower-than-normal water levels in the Mills River. Water users are still encouraged to voluntarily conserve water due to the ongoing drought conditions. 

The most recent NC Drought Monitor map continues to show Henderson County in a moderate drought level. 

The good news is that, thanks to recent rain events, we have seen water levels improve, and there are precipitation events predicted in the NOAA forecast. After months of moderate and severe drought, it will take a series of consistent rain events to return river levels to their normal measurements.

We appreciate our customers' continued efforts to be water-wise as we monitor the water levels and forecasts and take responsible actions to conserve and protect this critical resource.

 

The Stage I Water Shortage Advisory consists of voluntary measures including, but not limited to:  

  • Limit lawn and garden watering to that which is necessary for plants to survive;  
  • Do not wash down outside areas such as sidewalks, patios, parking lots, service bays, aprons, etc.;  
  • Limit car washing to a minimum;  
  • Water shrubbery to the minimum required, reusing household water when possible;  
  • Do not leave faucets running while shaving, brushing teeth, or rinsing dishes;  
  • Limit flushing of toilets by multiple usage;  
  • Limit use of clothes washers and dishwashers, and when used, operate fully loaded;  
  • Take showers rather than bathing and limit the duration of showers;  
  • The use of disposable and biodegradable dishes is encouraged;  
  • The use of flow-restrictive and water-saving devices is encouraged;  
  • Limit hours of operation of water-cooled air conditioners;  
  • All residents, businesses, and institutions are requested to temporarily delay new landscape work until the water shortage has ended.  

“Hendersonville is blessed with pristine water sources, but no utility system is immune to periods of dry weather,” said Adam Steurer. “We appreciate the conservation steps taken by our customers over the past couple months and encourage them to continue to be mindful of their water usage.”  

The utility is currently constructing an additional water intake on the French Broad River. This project will add a fourth water source and help the system to become more resistant to drought. The French Broad River intake and pumping station is expected to be completed in the summer of 2024. Hendersonville City Council and utility leaders have been working toward this $23.5 million dollar project for a number of years to enhance the resiliency of the utility system and lay the foundation for the future.  

Visit www.hvlnc.gov/watershortage for more information.

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