Science Friday

Restoring Drinking Water After Hurricane Helene | Oyster Shell Reefs And Sea Level Rise

Nov 26, 2024
In this discussion, Sarah Ledford, an associate professor of geosciences at Georgia State University, unpacks the long recovery of Asheville’s drinking water after Hurricane Helene. She explains how flooding disrupted clean water supplies and the effects of sediment on reservoirs. The conversation also touches on a Gulf Coast tribe's innovative use of recycled oyster shells to combat erosion and restore their land, showcasing creative solutions to the serious challenges posed by climate change.
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ANECDOTE

Asheville Water Crisis

  • Asheville residents Sarah and Allison reported a lack of running water for weeks after Hurricane Helene.
  • The hurricane destroyed the main distribution lines from the reservoir and caused high turbidity levels.
INSIGHT

Impact of Helene on Asheville's Water

  • Hurricane Helene caused immense flooding, washing sediment and clay into Asheville's reservoir.
  • This sediment caused high turbidity, making the water difficult to treat and unsafe to drink.
INSIGHT

Turbidity and Water Safety

  • Turbidity, or cloudiness, is caused by sediment in the water, which scatters light.
  • High turbidity makes water unsafe to drink as it can contain harmful contaminants.
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