Asheville's Communication Strategies During Hurricane Helene Water Disruptions
Asheville's Communication Strategies During Hurricane Helene Water Disruptions
US · Published Jul 25, 2026
During Hurricane Helene, Asheville, North Carolina faced a 53-day water outage, prompting utility leaders to adopt innovative communication strategies to keep residents informed.
According to research shared by PhD candidate Brooke Goggins at AWWA ACE26, the city utilized multiple communication channels to overcome challenges posed by disrupted infrastructure, such as electricity, Wi-Fi, and cellular service.

Impact & Risks

The prolonged water outage in Asheville affected thousands of residents, creating significant challenges for daily life and public health. The lack of access to clean water heightened risks of dehydration, sanitation issues, and potential disease outbreaks. Disrupted infrastructure further complicated communication efforts, emphasizing the need for redundant systems. The research underscores the critical role of effective communication in mitigating public frustration and maintaining trust during such crises.

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