Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Utilities topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Manager explains water‑plant flood damage and boil advisory after Hurricane Helen
Summary
Town manager described flood damage to the raw water intake and submerged motor control cabinets that forced the Valdese water plant offline, prompted a boil advisory and requires replacement parts from manufacturer Eaton; temporary fixes restored limited service while repairs proceed.
During the Oct. 7 meeting, the interim town manager explained how floodwaters from Hurricane Helen submerged motor control cabinets at the raw water intake, causing the town's water plant to shut down and triggering a boil advisory when the plant had been idle more than 24 hours.
The manager said four pumps serve the intake and that the motor control cabinets for three pumps were underwater; staff were able to operate an older 480‑volt pump to "limp the plant along" while technicians from Eaton inspected equipment and ordered replacement parts. The manager said parts were being sourced from a higher, non‑flooded station to get pump number two running and restore supply.
The council discussed the need for generators and spare parts to improve resilience, and members thanked Public Works and plant staff for their emergency response. The manager said restoring reliable full service depends on installing replacement motor control components and testing the pumps; he will report back as parts arrive and repairs complete.
