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It will take years for western North Carolina's water systems to recover from Hurricane Helene

Heavy rains from hurricane Helene caused record flooding and damage  on Sept. 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. (Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)
Heavy rains from hurricane Helene caused record flooding and damage on Sept. 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. (Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)

Hurricane Helene took out critical infrastructure in western North Carolina, specifically water systems that were already under much strain. It will take the communities years to rebuild and for the water supply to return to levels before the storm.

We speak with Katie Myers, climate reporter focusing on the Appalachian region for Grist and Blue Ridge Public Radio, about Helene’s impact on rural water systems and potential fixes communities are working through.

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