Water & Sewer Department History

First time public water supply was introduced to the City from a small impoundment in Laurel Park near Finley Cove; this supply became inadequate and by 1917 the City constructed a pump station on Finley Creek on the old Mill site.

City signed agreement with Home Electric Company to provide electric service (2200v) for a pumping station at the old Mill site on Finley Creek "located about 1,000' upstream from the public road bridge" to pump water back to Hendersonville.

Original sewer line system is constructed. The system consisted of lines in 13 drainage basins that transported untreated wastewater to Mud Creek for discharge at 13 points. 

NC Legislature amended the City's charter to create the Board of Water Commissioners of the City of Hendersonville or BOWC consisting of of 3-man board, one being the chairman; the first 3-commissioners on this board - G.E. Brooks (chair and former mayor of Hendersonville), K.G. Morris and J.W. Bailey with terms beginning in January 1922; Brooks (8-year term), Morris (6-year term) and Bailey (4-year term); Extra Session 1921 - Chapter 113, Pages 150-159.

BOWC signed an engineering agreement with Gilbert C. White to locate, design, permit and construct reservoir and transmission line to City.

Annual average full-time earnings in 1922 in North Carolina was $2,963 which equate to $56.98/week and $1.42/hour. Annual median household income in 2018 in Henderson County was $52,815 which equates to $1,016/week and $25.40/hour.

Impoundment area at the headwaters of the North Fork of the Mills River, constructed 17-miles (or~89,760-lf) of 16-in. cast iron pipeline (CIP), crossing the Mills River 13-times and the French Broad River once in route to the 5,000,000-gal. in-ground storage reservoir on Ewart Hill located adjacent to Laurel Park; turned water on July 4, 1923. 

Annual average full-time earnings in 1927 in North Carolina was $4,678 which equate to $89.96/week and $2.25/hour. Annual median household income in 2018 in Henderson County was $52,815 which equates to $1,016/week and $25.40/hour.

Second impoundment area constructed at Bradley Creek, a tributary of the South Mills River, including approximately 7.18-miles (or 37,900-ft.) of 20-in. cast iron pipe (CIP); turned water on in 1928.

Sewer operation and maintenance agreement with Laurel Park signed

On April 13, 1931 the NC General Assembly ratified a bill abolishing the Board of Water Commissioners for the City of Hendersonville, subject to a majority vote of the people at the next regular election of Mayor and/or Commissioners of the City of Hendersonville; apparently the majority vote went to those in opposition of the BOWC abolishment.

An act was ratified by the NC General Assembly and to go into affect on July 1, 1933 that extended the time for paying water and sewer assessments due to the BOWC for three years, allowing annual installment payments.

City began investigating the possibility of building a dam on Bradley Creek, downstream of existing dam, in order to create a 500,000,000-gal. reservoir that would have provided another source of water for the City; 2-sites were considered but in 1947, after many delays, the project engineer, Gilbert C. White, retired and the project was halted.

Constructed second 5,000,000-gal. in-ground storage reservoir on Ewart Hill along with a new booster pumping station located along 16-inch CIP line on Broyles Rd. near the old campground to increase water supply.

The City began to form plans to build a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). 

Original WWTP facility constructed at Balfour, behind Berkeley Mills (Harwood-Beebee Engineers). Main interceptor line constructed along Mud Creek to intercept the 13 discharge points to be treated at the new WWTP. 

Hendersonville Board of Water Commissioners rights, privileges and authorities were transferred to the Hendersonville Board of Commissioners by the NC General Assembly on July 1, 1963.

Mills River intake became the City's third raw water source in 1963 when raw water pumping station and 3.0-MGD conventional treatment plant were constructed, intended to supplement supply from two mountain reservoirs.

NC Legislature amended the City's charter to abolish the BOWC and turned all assets, privileges and authorities over to the City and the City Board of Commissioners.

Greater Hendersonville 201 facilities plan completed and adopted; this plan identifies the natural drainage area boundaries that can be served by the City’s existing WWTP. This area becomes known as the Mud Creek Drainage basin. 

Installed 6,300-lf of 16-in. raw water line and 6,300-lf 16-in. finished water line from the WTP to the Mills River Fire Department's station re-routing mountain water to the WTP and then treated water back through original 16-inch main to Ewart Hill; expanded treatment capacity of WTP to 9.0-MGD at a cost of ~$1,200,000.

208 area wide water quality management plant completed; this plan provided that Henderson County explore the establishment of a formal policy for extension of sewer lines in unincorporated areas where municipal treatment is cost effective.

Service agreement with Laurel Park; this agreement provides for the operation and maintenance of the sewer lines within Laurel Park and for the treatment of wastewater generated in Laurel Park. 

Service agreement- The City of Hendersonville and Henderson County jointly agree to a policy for the extension of sewer lines into unincorporated areas (208 plan).

Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources (DEHNR) imposes a moratorium on new connections because of WWTP flow violations. 

Henderson County establishes the Cane Creek Sanitary Sewer District.

Special order by consent- the City agrees to treatment plant and sewer line rehabilitation projection in exchange for a gallonage allocation under the moratorium.

The City receives a federal EPA grant for plant and sewer line rehabilitation projects. 

WWTP rehabilitation project (McGuire-Beebee Engineers) 

Water and Sewer study committee report- the report calls for establishment of a water and sewer authority for the Mud Creek drainage basin (201 study area) 

The City adopts a planned, long term, three phase approach to WWTP expansion and rehabilitation. This plan is based on need and the ability to pay (Butler-McGill Engineers)

Service agreement with Henderson County for 500,000 GPD; this agreement replaces the 1980 agreement. 

Judicial order by consent- the City agrees to a second plant construction project and I/I control program in exchange for a gallonage allocation and a $20,000 fine for permit violations. Henderson County establishes the Mud Creek south water and sewer sanitary district. 

DEHNR enacts regulations severely limiting the disposal of sludge in landfills. This forces the City into a land application program for sludge disposal. The cost associated with sludge disposal goes from $0 to $60,000 a year expense item. 

Expanded treatment capacity to 12.0-MGD at a cost of ~$2,000,000.

City initiates phase II of its long term plan; the City issues $3,000,000 in general obligation bonds to finance a WWTP upgrade project and builds the US 64E collection line (McGill Associates Engineers) 

The N.C. Division of the Environmental Management announces its basin wide water quality management plan. The French Broad River basin plan is expected to be effective by August, 1995. WWTP flows surpass 80% of NPDES permit capacity. This event triggers a DEHNR requirement for a preliminary engineering report outlining specific plans for plant expansion.

The City authorizes an I/I reduction program (ADS Environmental) 

The City receives a water quality analysis of Mud Creek and Clear Creek from NCDEHNR. A major issue becomes over allocation of stream assimilative capacity. The results indicate more restrictive future NPDES permit limits with the associated higher unit cost for treatment. The strategy encourages regionalization of wastewater treatment. The implications suggest considering moving the WWTP to a new site thereby relieving Mud Creek of a major adverse environmental impact. 

The “503” sludge disposal regulations become effective.

WWTP flow surpasses 90% of NPES permit capacity.

This triggers a DEHNR requirement for receipt of plans, specifications, and funding sources for system expansion prior to issuance of sewer line extension permits. 

New Mayor and Council take office; the new administration initiates an aggressive annexation policy in order to reduce the tax rate. Annexation is dependent on the ability to provide wastewater service. 

Resolution to study the creation of a Regional Water and Sewer Authority. This resolution called for the cities of Asheville and Hendersonville, the counties of Buncombe and Henderson, the Asheville-Buncombe Water Authority (ABWA) and the Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) to participate in this study. 

The Regional Water and Sewer Authority work group holds its initial meeting. 

City Council attends the MSD Board retreat.

This meeting confirms that MSD cannot handle additional flow from Hendersonville without a major line renovation project that would be more costly than building a WWTP in northern Henderson County.

McGill Associates and Hendon Associates are asked to review possible sites and confirm flow projections. 

Council approved purchase of Hollamon property for French Broad River WWTP

City places final design work “on hold”

City establishes a Water & Sewer Advisory Board 

First meeting of Water & Sewer Advisory Board 

Implemented use of fluoride (prevent tooth decay) and sodium bicarbonate (corrosion inhibition) in finished water.

The regional Water & Sewer Authority work group completes its initial study task. The group is not able to form a consensus opinion on the subject of a regional water and sewer authority. The issues are changing from influences external to work group. Rather, the group make a final report on the positions of the entities involved. 

Council receives a petition with 263 signatures opposing the construction of the French Broad River WWTP.

Council authorizes an evaluation of alternatives to be done jointly with Henderson County (Willis Engineers). 

The Willis report recommends upgrading the existing WWTP with tertiary treatment at the present site as being the most cost effective alternative, the City proceeds with design.

The French Broad River basin-wide water quality management plan is scheduled to cause new NPDES permits to be issued. Permit limits for discharge to Mud Creek are expected to be more stringent. 

North Fork Reservoir Dam improvements (Liner) (McGill Associates)

Justice Academy Water Main Extension (Henderson County) (Laughter, Austin and Assoc.)

Park Ridge Hospital Access to U.S. Highway 25 N (NCDOT).

U.S. Highway 25 S Widening (SR 1345 to SR 1546) (NCDOT).

12” Water Main Extension (U.S. Highway 25 S to Kenmure) (COH – Jim Patrick).

U.S. Highway 25 N from Blake St. to Crescent Dr. (NCDOT).

U.S. Highway 64 E to NC Justice Academy (Laughter, Austin and Associates). 16" and 12" water line.

WTP Expansion and Rehabilitation (Arcadis, formerly FPS).- completed in 2009

Annexation Area 20 (Haywood / Towne Forest) (COH – Jim Patrick).

Little River Rd. and Kanuga Rd. Water Main Extension (Vaughn & Melton).

Filter Rehabilitation (McGill Associates).

Mud Creek WWTP Preliminary Engineering Study (McGill Associates).

Water Distribution System Analysis (FPS).

U.S. Highway 25 North Improvements – Hwy. 25 to Naples Rd. (NCDOT).

Etowah Water System Purchase.

Town of Fletcher – Howard Gap Rd. Water Main Extension (Mattern & Craig).

Allen St. Sewer Main Replacement (COH).

7th Avenue Bridge (Mud Creek) Sewer Main Relocation (McGill Associates).

Carl Sandburg Property Sewer Main Extension & Pump Station (Laughter, Austin & Assoc.).

Additional Clarifier (McGill Associates) at WTP.

U.S. Highway 25 North Improvements – Blake Rd. to Crescent Dr. (NCDOT). Mills River Raw Water Intake (McGill Associates). City investigated the possibility of relocating the intake on the main stem of the Mills River above the bridge on NC Highway 280; the project was halted and was not relocated.

Lower King Creek Sewer Main Extension (Flat Rock) (Laughter, Austin & Assoc.).

Mud Creek Sewer District (Henderson County) – Purchased by City.

Barnwell St. Sewer Replacement (COH).

Fletcher Tank Fill Valve Improvements (FPS).

Ewart Hill Reservoir Rehabiliation. (Finkbeiner, Pettis & Strout). Buildings built over both reservoirs.

Effluent Disposal Facilities at Berkeley Park and Patton Park (Willis Engineering). New WWTP completed.

South Fork Mills River Bridge Maintenance (NCDOT – B-3191, Bridge #6).

Water System Master Plan Update (McGill Associates).

Mud Creek Sewer Interceptor Replacement (McGill Associates).

Bonclarken Water System Improvements (Williams Engineering).

U.S. Highway 25 North Improvements (NCDOT) – Brookside Camp Rd. to Butler Bridge Rd. 16" water main replacement.

Armstrong St. Sewer Extension (COH – Jim Patrick).

Ecusta WTP Feasibility Assessment (Willis Engineering).

Kangua Rd. / Wash Creek Bridge Project (NCDOT).

Watershed Restoration Plan for Mud Creek Watershed.

Children and Family Resource Center Sewer Extension (COH – Jim Patrick).

Bonclarken Sewer Extension (Williams Engineering).

Naples / Howard Gap Rd. Water Main (Phase 1) (COH – Jim Patrick).

Maplewood Sewer Relocation (COH – Jim Patrick).

Adden Lane Sewer Extension (COH – Jim Patrick).

Tom’s Hill (Tom’s Park Dr.) Sewer Extension, Phase 2 (COH – Jim Patrick).

Annexation Area 23,24,26,27 (COH – Jim Patrick).- completed in 2007

Etowah Booster Pumping Station, Storage Tank and Transmission Main (McGill Associates).

Brightwater Water System Improvements (Vaughn & Melton).- completed in 2009

Brookside Camp Rd. / Howard Gap Rd. Water Main (Phase 2) (COH – Jim Patrick).- completed in 2006

Midway St., 1st Ave. E, 3rd Ave. W and Dale St. Sewer Main Replacement (COH – Jim Patrick).

Wolfpen Sewer Outfall (Vaughn & Melton).

Shepherd Creek Sewer Outfall.

Ewart Hill Reservoir Lining (East Tank).

Eastside Water System Improvements Project, Phase 1 (McGill Associates). - completed in 2009

Eastside Water System Improvements Project, Phase 2 (McGill Associates). - permitted only

North Fork Reservoir Dredging (McGill Associates).

Water Distribution System Analysis - Update (Arcadis).

Elkamet – Water & Sewer (William G. Lapsley & Associates).

French Broad River Raw Water Intake, Phase 1 (McGill Associates). Emergency 30" raw water line.

U.S. Highway 64 West Improvements (NCDOT) – Buncombe St. to Blythe St.

Upward Rd. Improvements (NCDOT) – Spartanburg Hwy. to Howard Gap Rd.

Sharon’s Crossing Gravity Sewer (COH – Ryon Plancer).

Biosolids Dryer (McGill Associates). (NOT PURCHASED)

Water Audit (WK Dickson).

U.S. 25 South Connector Improvements (NCDOT) - water.

WTP renovation including administration/lab building, additional treatment train, two additional gravity filters (concrete and steel only with no media) and other improvements at a cost of ~$20,000,000. Cummings Rd. Water Main Upgrade (KO & Associates).

French Broad River pipeline and emergency intake became the City’s fourth raw water source.

Jackson Park, Wolfpen and Shepherd Creek Sewer Interceptors (COH – Brent Detwiler, P.E.) – Completed in 2015.

Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) (ESG)- completed in 2013.

Water Distribution System Analysis - Update (COH – Brent Detwiler, P.E.).

Assessment of Mills River Watershed (McGill Associates).

Water and Sewer Financial Analysis (Martin-McGill).

N. Lakeside Dr. Water Main Replacement (COH – Brent Detwiler, P.E.) - Completed in 2014.

The City completed the new Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AIM). This automated reading system was designed in order to detect water leaks more quickly than by manually checking for leaks. The goal was to save customers money, and to promote conservation efforts by saving water from prolonged leakage. 

Ridgewood Blvd. Sewer Main Replacement (COH – Brent Detwiler, P.E.) - Completed in 2013.

Academy Rd. Water System Improvements (Municipal Engineering, Dr. Mike Acquesta, P.E.) - Completed in 2014

In July Aqua Hawk was launched with the goal of giving customers more insight and control of their water usage.

City began investigating the idea of relocating the intake on the main stem of the Mills River again, along with the new French Broad River intake and raw water pump station project; this relocation was deemed to expensive due to constructability issues and associated costs; this portion of the project was halted. (Black & Veatch)

Completed high-service pump station upgrade; potential pumping capacity now at 21.0-MGD.

French Broad River raw water intake and pump station received permit from NCDEQ-PWS.