This news item expired on Wednesday, January 11, 2023 so the information below could be outdated or incorrect.
While the City of Asheville works to restore water services to residents and businesses, we at Buncombe County Environmental Health understand many food service businesses have been impacted. The following guidance will help your business through the correct steps to take until water pressure and/or water supply has been restored and the boil water advisory has been lifted. Please see the attachments for more information. Call Environmental Health at (828) 250-5016 for questions.
Frequently asked questions
Can a restaurant open if they do not have water?
Most restaurants and other food service establishments ARE NOT allowed to operate if there is no water.
Food Lion, Publix, Ingles, Cracker Barrel, Waffle House and Chick-fil-A have an emergency operations plan approved by NCDHHS and are allowed to operate under those guidelines.
Can a restaurant open during a boil water advisory?
Restaurants and other food service establishments are allowed to open during a boil water advisory if they follow the guidelines below:
- Only serve food using single-service items (paper plates, cups, etc).
- Do not use fountain drinks.
- Use bottled water for tea or coffee preparation.
- Boil water for 1 minute before using.
- Do not use ice from ice machines.
- Use hand sanitizer as a backup method for handwashing.
If you are a food service establishment that has questions about reopening after water loss, please contact Buncombe County Environmental Health at (828) 250-5016.