A water main break in the River Ridge plaza in Asheville, North Carolina has caused chaos and disruption for several businesses, including the Asheville Humane Thrift Store. The incident occurred in the late afternoon, with debris spewing out and impacting the surrounding area. Caitlin Bingham, an employee at the thrift store, was alerted to the situation by a coworker who was concerned about her parked car. Bingham described the moment she found out about the water main break, stating that she was in the back of the store steaming clothes when her coworker showed her a video of the scene outside. She immediately went to see for herself, only to find a chaotic scene with extensive damages to several vehicles.
One individual affected by the water main break was Maia M., who had to spend nearly an hour on the phone with Geico due to a broken windshield caused by the burst. The incident prompted a swift response from fire officials and maintenance crews who were dispatched to the site to assess the situation and begin repairs. Clay Chandler, the public information officer for the City of Asheville Water Resources Department, explained that the age of the underground water infrastructure, combined with the city’s topography, were contributing factors to the break.
The break has left businesses in the area without water, posing challenges for daily operations. Chandler mentioned that some businesses were already experiencing water shortages as a result of the incident. The estimated time for repairs to be completed is still unknown, as it depends on various factors such as the depth of the pipe and the location of the break. Businesses like the Asheville Humane Thrift Store are taking precautions in case the water shortage persists, with Bingham mentioning that they have filled up buckets and purchased gallons of water as a backup plan.
As the repair work continues, businesses in the area are bracing themselves for potential disruptions to their operations. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining and updating aging infrastructure to prevent such incidents in the future. The community is coming together to support those affected by the water main break, showcasing resilience and solidarity in the face of unexpected challenges.