No Flush Order One Year After Hurricane Helene as Lake Lure Sewer Repairs Lag

Nearly one year after Hurricane Helene devastated Lake Lure, town officials have issued a new "No Flush Order" for Firefly Cove, highlighting persistent vulnerabilities in the local sewer system.

The original order, issued after the storm, was lifted on Oct. 28, 2024. The town’s latest statement on Sept. 26 reads:

“No Flush Order – Firefly Cove – 9/26/25 Crews are working to repair a broken line, and restoration is expected today. A follow-up notice will be issued once the repair is complete. Thank you for your patience.”

Helene struck the Lake Lure area and western NC on Sept. 27, 2024, leaving widespread damage to homes, roads, and critical infrastructure. While some sewer lines have been restored, large sections remain offline due to complex engineering, funding, and state approvals.

The west end sewer system, heavily damaged by the storm, has recently restored service to a limited number of properties, including:

• Boys Camp Road: 109, 113, 160

• Sea Wish Way: 114, 135, 137, 145, 186

• Memorial Highway: 3070, 3105, 3127, 3143, 3147

  
  

Town officials note that some properties still require private plumbing work to connect to the repaired system. Full restoration depends on final designs, materials, and regulatory approvals.

Officials are coordinating with LaBella Engineering, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ), and the Division of Water Infrastructure (DWI) to secure funding and complete ongoing phases of the sewer project.

“For remaining customers, the Town is awaiting the completed design for the line along Memorial Highway. All materials are on hand and ready to be installed once the design is finalized,” officials said in a statement on Sept. 20.

The town is exploring a long-term regionalized sewer system, with potential grants and low-interest loans under review, and has requested FEMA approval for a full replacement of the wastewater treatment plant, currently operational but still vulnerable.

Other infrastructure work has been completed or is ongoing, including:

• Mainline sewer repairs, ensuring minimal operational flow

• Washburn water tank lid replacement, officially completed July 11, 2025

• Utility locate responses to support safe excavation across the town

  
  

Lake levels and sedimentation continue to affect private wells. Residents are advised to monitor water quality and consult professional well services if issues arise.

Funding remains a critical factor. Officials are pursuing up to $5 million in principal forgiveness through the Helene Recovery State Revolving Fund to support continued repairs and future projects, including a deep-water ramp at Rumbling Bald to facilitate sewer infrastructure work.