The North Carolina Supreme Court has issued a decision. The decision indicates that the Court has overturned the original legislation which allows the City of Asheville to retain operation of the water system.
City legal staff is currently reviewing the decision and will issue any additional information as it becomes available.
The decision is posted on the NC Supreme Court website.
A statement from Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer:
[T]he North Carolina Supreme Court ruled that Asheville and its residents will keep and maintain our water system. Many years ago, our City leadership made the bold and wise investment in a watershed and water infrastructure that provided the foundation for the robust water system we have today that provides safe drinking water for Asheville and its customers.
This ruling ensures that Asheville can continue to own this great water system and continue to provide safe drinking water for years into the future. Asheville is committed to continuing to work with our regional partners to ensure all water system customers receive the highest quality service from the City of Asheville.