Skip to main content

Resuming Water and Wastewater Service After a Major Disruption

 

By Anna Patterson, Project Director, UNC Environmental Finance Center, and Alicea Easthope-Frazer, Senior Project Director, UNC Environmental Finance Center

Public Water and Wastewater Systems

Following Hurricane Helene on September 27, 2024, many water and wastewater systems in Western North Carolina saw service entirely disrupted. Three weeks later, systems are returning online, repressurizing, and resuming operations. However, operations may not yet be “normal.” The following are some short- and mid-term issues that local governments and their communities may need to address in the coming days.

Public Health Concerns
After major flooding events, people may be exposed to raw sewage due to collection system pipes breaking or leaking because of landslides, washouts, trees falling, inflow and infiltration (I&I), crushed lines, and damaged fire hydrants and meters. Wastewater treatment plants are also often located in low-lying water adjacent areas that are in danger of flooding. There is a heightened risk of waterborne diseases during this time, so local governments must be aware of potential pathways of exposure to raw sewage and communicate those pathways to their customers. Following the mass flooding event from Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans in 2005, the Environmental Protection Agency identified the following as possible methods of raw sewage exposure:

  • Direct contact with raw sewage.
  • Drinking water that was contaminated by raw sewage.
  • Consuming shellfish that was harvested from waters contaminated by raw sewage.

Though no illnesses related to sewage exposure were identified in Louisiana, Mississippi, or Alabama following Katrina, the threat remained, and residents were cautioned to be proactive in avoiding contaminated water.

There may also be an increased chance of additional flooding in some water bodies due to erosion and sedimentation that has changed topography. Houston, Texas, found after Hurricane Harvey, some water bodies had excess sediment that posed new flood threats. In those cases, dredging newly deposited sediment lessened the change of repetitive flooding.

Availability of Electricity and Fuel for Backup Generators
The Army Corps of Engineers is working with state partners in Western North Carolina to bring power back to the region. As of October 17, 2024, 0.3% of the emergency declared area residents remained without power. Meanwhile, alternative energy sources like backup generators are used to power homes, businesses, and water and wastewater infrastructure. Fuel may be limited due to flooded fuel stations, closed roadways, and high demand. Generator safety should be communicated with the public, especially as temperatures drop, prompting additional use. This is important for both customers and electrical linemen. Firewood may be available through emergency services. Local officials should contact FEMA or North Carolina Emergency Management to assist with wood delivery.

Current power outages and generator safety tips are available online at Duke Energy’s website.

Infrastructure Limitations
Following significant flood events and major service disruptions, water and wastewater mains, lines, and valves are commonly broken or inaccessible. This may result in pressure problems, leading to ongoing boil water notices.

Flood waters may have also damaged water and wastewater facilities. Western North Carolina, water and wastewater systems, may draw similarities between ongoing infrastructure limitations and those seen after other large hurricanes when large portions of systems were flooded and rendered inoperable. The EPA found that the steps involved in repairing damaged facilities after hurricanes included:

  • Drying out and cleaning engines, pumps, and lift stations.
  • Testing and repairing electrical systems.
  • Testing for toxic chemicals and harmful bacteria in pipes and plants.
  • Restoring pressure to water distribution systems.
  • Activating disinfection units.
  • Restoring bacteria to treat sewage at wastewater treatment plants.
  • Cleaning, repairing, and flushing distribution and sewage lines.

Communication with Customers

Until water and wastewater systems are operating normally, local governments need to communicate with their customers about the state of the systems and any necessary precautions. The EPA has identified a variety of methods to communicate critical information to the public after a large storm event, including:

  • News releases, including information on public health concerns and hazards.
  • Press conference materials, speeches, and testimonies on activity.
  • Public service announcements in English, Spanish, and other languages commonly spoken in the region.
  • Reports
  • Water quality data.
  • Assessments and statuses of water and wastewater treatment facilities.
  • Answers to frequently asked questions.
  • Transparency about billing processes and policies, including information on emergency loans, financial benchmarks, and cash flow.

After Hurricane Katrina, the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans reported an influx of customer calls and reports of leaks as water service returned. This data was used to identify areas with high concentrations of water leaks and broken fire hydrants. Western North Carolina cities may also experience a larger-than-normal number of customer calls, reports, and complaints as water and wastewater service returns.

Other federal, state, and local agencies have similar communication guidelines and encourage using a multimedia approach to reporting issues like boil water notices, wastewater discharges, and spills. After Katrina, one Louisiana facility knocked on doors in areas near wastewater locations. This method might be necessary for Western North Carolina customers who do not have reliable radio and internet services.

 

Private Water and Wastewater Systems

While many people across Western North Carolina feel the impacts of Hurricane Helene on the public water and wastewater systems, many are on privately owned systems like wells and septic systems.

If a private water source has been flooding or may have been flooded, there are some steps to take to ensure safe water quality:

  • Use a different source of water for now.
  • Visually check for damage or erosion around wellheads, spring boxes, or cisterns. Check water to see if there is any obvious change in the characteristics of your water.
  • If damage is detected, secure the system. Cover the damaged area to protect it from further contamination. Then, contact a licensed contractor, plumber, or inspector to fix the damage.
  • Test water for bacteria and chemicals.
  • Treat water.
    • Biological contamination: Boil water before consumption. Use chlorine and iodine tablets or chlorine shock to treat quickly. Flush wells and drain cisterns.
    • Chemical contamination: Continue to use alternative water sources. Depending on the type of chemical contaminant, additional treatment is required.
  • Re-test water quality.

If an on-site system, like a septic system, was flooded or may have been flooded, there are some steps to take:

  • Do not use the septic system until the water in the absorption field is lower than the water level around the house.
  • Have septic tanks inspected and serviced if there is damage. Damage may include pump chambers filled with silt, debris, or the absorption field clogged with silt.
    • Only professionals should work on septic tanks due to the hazards caused by gasses.
  • Clean and disinfect sewage backups in the home or basement.
  • Pump both the septic tank and lift station as soon as possible after a flood. Do not pump during the flood or when the drain field is saturated.
  • Do not drive heavy equipment over a saturated drain field.
  • Inspect electrical connections.
  • Secure manhole cover.
  • Inspect and repair any erosion or lost vegetation over the septic tank and soil absorption field.

 

Takeaways

Hurricane Helene has caused grief across Western North Carolina, which will take time to recover. Returning water and sewer service to the region is critical to a strong recovery. As systems come back online, local governments must be aware of common issues and customer impacts. The School of Government is and will continue to be a resource for local governments dealing with the impacts of Hurricane Helene. Up-to-date resources can be found at:  https://ncfinanceconnect.com/announcement/welcome-to-nc-finance-connect/ and https://www.sog.unc.edu/resources/microsites/nc-emergency-management/hurricane-helene-resources.
 
 

Need technical assistance? The UNC Environmental Finance Center is here to help!
The Environmental Finance Center at UNC-CH offers free one-on-one technical assistance with water systems. If you are interested in our support, fill out our Technical Assistance Request Form or contact us at efc@sog.unc.edu.

 

Comments are closed.