In response to the ongoing emergency management crisis affecting the southeastern United States from Hurricane Helene , David LaFrance, CEO of the American Water Works Association released the following statement:
“The loss of life and unimaginable devastation throughout the southeastern United States brought by Hurricane Helene is tragic. All of AWWA is thinking about our friends and colleagues impacted by the storm, and we stand ready to assist in the recovery.
“North Carolina has been hit particularly hard. The North Carolina Water/Wastewater Response Network (WARN) is gathering a list of resources needed at impacted utilities to assure an organized and efficient response. Multiple utilities, including Asheville, North Carolina, have lost services due to impacts on the treatment facilities and the distribution system. Emergency management agencies at the local, state and federal levels are bringing in water, food and medical support. There are ongoing rescue and recovery operations that are complicated by significant damage to roads and bridges in the region.
“Florida WARN has also been activated and is responding to multiple requests for assistance. Currently, approximately 50 systems are on boil water notices. Portions of Tennessee, South Carolina, Virginia and Georgia have also experienced significant flooding. Remnants of Helene have the potential to cause flood conditions in central Virginia today that may impact utilities.
“AWWA will keep members posted as opportunities to assist in the recovery arise. In the meantime, please consider making a donation to a reputable organization working on disaster relief. The North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund is worthy of consideration and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides many options.”
NRWA Response
In addition, the National Rural Water Association (NRWA) said its state associations including those from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, and South Carolina, have been responding since Helene made landfall on Sept. 26. Members have been helping to provide generators, bring systems back online, and more.
The NRWA’s Disaster Response Unit arrived in Georgia on Sept. 30 as an additional resource for those responding. Many systems are dealing with power outages and flood damage from the storm, along with other challenges.
If your water or wastewater utility needs assistance, please contact your State Rural Water Association.
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