Tuckaseigee Water urges Jackson County residents to take conservation measures
JACKSON COUNTY, N.C. — The Tuckaseigee Water and Sewer Authority (TWSA) in Jackson County has been asked to take water conservation measures as a result of Helene rain and persistent rain that has led to less clean water for Jackson County residents.
The TWSA says Helene washed away lots of filtering vegetation along the river.
“Pretty much anywhere in WNC, the stream banks have been scoured,” said TWSA Director Daniel Manring.
He says that makes them more susceptible to the elements.
FREE SCHOOL MEALS TO CONTINUE FOR JACKSON COUNTY STUDENTS
“There’s more sunlight, which creates biological activity. So, more algae grows and there is also an exposed different type of stream bank, so soil and rocks, and fine particles that can get in the water with the slightest bit of rain. Rain changes the condition of what it used to be like pre-Helene,” Manring said.
An additional factor is one of the hottest periods of time on record in the mountains.
“With every single condition of the river being different, that involves a different treatment process,” Manring said.
Manring says while water levels are fine in Jackson County, these factors mean the levels of potable water they can keep in their tanks have fallen.
“When we have to make an adjustment and that adjustment doesn’t work, essentially we turn off the water going to our distribution system and don’t send it out while we adjust and make changes,” Manring said.
To help replenish the water supply, customers are being asked to conserve water.
“Turn off the water when you’re brushing your teeth. Combine a load of laundry if you get the chance. Maybe you don’t let the water hose run,” Manring said.
Two and a half years ago, former Governor Roy Cooper announced more than $4 million from the American Rescue Plan and Infrastructure Law for upgrades to TWSA’s Cullowhee plant that will add more storage for water.
Manring says it’s halfway finished and will be online in January.
LAND SECURED FOR FIRST TRADITIONAL MIDDLE SCHOOL EVER IN JACKSON COUNTY
“We’ll have more time to recover when we have to shut down, and we’ll have more of a cushion, so to speak,” Manring said.
But for now, it’s conservation.
“Every drop really does count. It helps us keep full tanks for both domestic and commercial use as well as fire protection,” Manring said.
Manring says the conservation efforts are paying off and may be lifted in a few days, but he says he will always remind residents to keep in mind water conservation efforts.