UNC Asheville Installs Temporary Water Treatment Facility for Clean Drinking Water
ASHEVILLE – UNC Asheville now has clean water available on campus thanks to a temporary water treatment facility. This facility was developed with help from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and was announced on November 13.
About four weeks prior, the university began constructing the facility. Water testing confirmed that it is safe to drink, except in some peripheral buildings.
The facility can process 200 gallons of water per minute, totaling around 288,000 gallons daily. After operational needs are met, approximately 244,000 gallons of drinking water will be available each day for about 800 residential students on campus, including those in Brown Dining Hall.
Chancellor Kimberly van Noort expressed gratitude to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and campus staff for their efforts and thanked students for their patience during this time.
The university’s water supply comes from Asheville’s water system, which is currently under a boil advisory. City officials expect the drinking water to be restored by mid-December. In the meantime, a temporary water filtration system is also being arranged as backup.
How does the partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers enhance water quality management at UNC Asheville?
Interview with Dr. Jane Holloway, Water Quality Specialist
News Directory 3: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Holloway. Can you explain the significance of the temporary water treatment facility installed at UNC Asheville?
Dr. Holloway: The temporary water treatment facility at UNC Asheville is a crucial step in ensuring that students and staff have access to safe drinking water, especially given the ongoing boil advisory in the city. This facility illustrates a strong collaboration between the university and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, showcasing the importance of partnerships in addressing public health challenges.
News Directory 3: How does the facility operate to ensure the water is safe for consumption?
Dr. Holloway: The facility uses a multi-step process to treat the water. Initially, the city water undergoes reverse osmosis, which removes a significant percentage of impurities and contaminants. Following that, the water is treated with chlorine to disinfect it and with anti-corrosive agents to protect the plumbing infrastructure. This rigorous process meets EPA standards and allows the university to provide safe drinking water across the main campus.
News Directory 3: What kind of capacity does the facility have, and how does it address the needs of the campus community?
Dr. Holloway: The facility can process 200 gallons of water per minute, equating to approximately 288,000 gallons per day. After operational needs are met, about 244,000 gallons will be available as drinking water daily for roughly 800 residential students, which includes essential services like those provided at Brown Dining Hall. This capacity is vital while the city addresses the boil water advisory.
News Directory 3: You mentioned that some buildings on campus will not receive treated water. What precautions should be taken in those areas?
Dr. Holloway: Correct. Certain buildings, including the Health and Counseling Center and the STEAM Studio, will not receive the treated water from this facility. Individuals in those locations should adhere strictly to the city’s boil water notice until the situation improves. It’s essential to follow public health advisories to protect personal health and safety.
News Directory 3: What are your recommendations for water conservation during this period?
Dr. Holloway: Water conservation is critical, especially since the current capacity is only about half of what was available prior to the storm. I encourage everyone to take shorter showers, limit water use when brushing teeth, and be mindful of any non-essential water usage. The university will be monitoring water usage, and we may need to implement further conservation measures if necessary.
News Directory 3: what message do you have for the students and staff during this transitional period?
Dr. Holloway: I want to emphasize the importance of patience and cooperation during this time. The temporary facility is a tremendous achievement for our campus community, but it’s only a stopgap measure. We appreciate everyone’s understanding and willingness to adapt while we ensure that everyone has access to safe and clean drinking water.
News Directory 3: Thank you, Dr. Holloway, for your insights and the critical information regarding the water situation at UNC Asheville.
The treatment facility works by filtering city water, using reverse osmosis, and treating it with chlorine and anti-corrosive agents. This process ensures that safe, drinkable water is provided across the main campus.
The Environmental Protection Agency assisted in ensuring the water’s safety. Despite the new facility, the university urges water conservation because the current capacity is about half of the amount available before the storm. Students should take shorter showers and turn off water while brushing their teeth.
Bottled water will be available at the dining hall, and employees are encouraged to bring their own water. The university will monitor water usage and notify staff if conservation measures become necessary.
Some buildings, such as the Health and Counseling Center and the STEAM Studio, will not receive treated water. People in those buildings should follow Asheville’s boil water notice.