There was a sense of relief in the city, though some residents said they were still afraid to drink the water.

owns The Original Vinnie’s Neighborhood Italian and Vinnie’s Neighborhood Italian in North and South Asheville, Jettie Rae’s Oyster House and Gan Shan West. He said it was crucial for the city that restaurants reopened soon after Helene.

Asheville, North Carolina, residents could have a boil water notice lifted as soon as Tuesday, more than seven weeks after Hurricane Helene struck on September 27.

Hurricane Helene damaged water lines at the North Forth Reservoir, Asheville's water source, forcing residents to rely on bottled water for close to 55 days.

Asheville residents were told Monday that the water is safe to drink again nearly two months after Helene damaged both water systems that serve the city. As winter approaches, western North Carolina residents are also concerned about fuel shortages needed to heat homes.

During a Monday news conference, Asheville Water Resources spokesperson Clay Chandler said the water was tested for multiple types of bacteria as part of regular testing, which indicated that the distribution system was now clean.

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