Water Project

Since the onset of local engagement, Helene Recovery Foundation has been focused on raising awareness of the risk of contaminated water, working with advisors and conducting research of the complications impacting water toxicity, facilitating provision of potable and purified water resources, due to the toxins in the local water supply as a result of Hurricane Helene related devastation. 

Reportedly, some water systems may not be restored until February 2025. This is a very dangerous window since the onset of flooding and devastation (September 26, 2024), presenting serious and ongoing risk to community members, especially moving into the winter months. Over-exposure to toxic water resources does result in illness, and sometimes death. Complications of over-exposure to outdoor elements due to lack of shelter increases this health risk significantly. 

We can prevent further loss of life and livelihood by supporting the local communities in Eastern Tennessee and Western North Carolina by providing interim potable and usable water resources.

Recommendations for Consumption during Recovery:

• Drinking and Cooking: Bottled Water
• Hygiene and Facilities: Purified Water 

We continue to assist water and water purification related donors in connecting with local nonprofits and churches who provide to local residents, while critical water infrastructure is in process of being restored. 

Priority recommended beneficiaries include local fire departments and municipal public works communities and neighborhoods, residents and volunteer camps, farms and agricultural suppliers, local nonprofit aid groups and churches.

Additional recommended beneficiaries include medical facilities and schools, nonprofits with regional and interstate aid deployments, restaurants and grocers, small business and retail.

Helene Recovery Foundation encourages residents to conduct their own home water testing to prevent inadvertent ingestion of, and exposure to toxic water. Home water testing kits are available "off-the-shelf" such as from Amazon or Home Depot.

Image Credit: USACE - Not affiliated to Helene Recovery Foundation.