emergency water supply plan
Amidst the destruction wrought by Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina, many food and beverage operations are left indefinitely without running potable water and looking for a way to resume operations. Many wonder whether they can use a temporary water supply during a water interruption. The answer is yes, per the NC Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). They just need an approved “Emergency Water Supply Plan” per NCGS 130A-248, NC Food Code 5-101.11 and 5-104.12.
As a general matter, Emergency Water Supply Plans “include bottled water being used for drinking, food preparation, and ice. They also include using temporary hand washing, reduced menu items, and using bottled or boiled water for cleaning and sanitizing surfaces.” If clean water can be provided to meet these needs, an Emergency Water Supply Plan can be approved. Linked below is the form that an establishment needs to submit to the county health department. The form covers the items above, as well as the use of disposable utensils and cups, the use of sanitation sinks, and toilets.
With respect to toilets, an establishment may provide alternative toilets (Port-O-Potties) and hand washing stations rather than connect an alternate water source to plumbing. DHHS actually has minimal jurisdiction over the use of non-potable water to provide functioning toilets and plumbing during a water outage because this water does not enter the public water supply. Alternate water supply attached to the private plumbing system of a food establishment only is required to meet food protection and sanitation standards.
Many restaurant owners are overwhelmed with helping the community in this unprecedented natural disaster on top of simply handling the day-to-day stress of keeping the business afloat. Completing and submitting an Emergency Water Supply Plan is the next step to reopening for service. The ASK team is here to assist you in navigating these issues to reopen your establishment.
If you wish to complete and submit an Emergency Water Supply Plan independently, please use the provided PDF form to submit directly to the Buncombe County Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Environmental Health. (PDF - Emergency Water Supply Plan Form)
For existing clients or those seeking assistance from Allen Stahl + Kilbourne in submitting the Emergency Water Supply Plan, we invite you to fill out our online form to better help us assist you. After you have completed the form and provided the necessary supporting documentation (as outlined in the online form), we will reach out to you within 24 hours. We will prepare the completed form for your electronic signature before submitting it to the Buncombe County Department of Health and Human Services for approval. (Click here to fill out our online form)