Seven weeks after Helene ripped through western North Carolina, the City of Asheville lifted its boil water notice on Monday. City leaders called it a major achievement in Asheville's path to recovery.

The city's Water Resources staff finished sampling the water distribution system on Sunday, and the results confirm the water supply is free of contaminants, officials said.

Customers may resume normal water use for drinking, hygiene and dishwashing. However, the city is asking them to temporarily avoid using excessive amounts of water for activities like filling bathtubs, watering landscaping, filling swimming pools and taking abnormally long showers.

The city said appliances with filters, such as icemakers and water heaters, can be turned back on.

While normal water use can resume, Asheville will continue to provide services and water distribution at Community Care Stations until further notice.

With the City of Asheville lifting its notice, surrounding cities are receiving the same news. The Town of Black Mountain, which was severely affected by the storm, also lifted its boil water notice Monday.

The City of Asheville's water department has been working to repair the water system that Helene completely flooded on Sept. 27. Since then, water service for residents was depleted as the city endures the still long-term effects of the storm. 

"Getting to this point was no small feat. It required the expertise and dedication of our water teams and contractors who have been working tirelessly, day and night, to make this possible," Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer said.

The city said lifting the boil water notice is a milestone in storm recovery and thanked the community for being patient since the city was hit by Helene.

To learn more about Asheville's Helene recovery efforts, check out their Helene Response and Recovery page.