One Year After Hurricane Helene: Wine To Water Continues Recovery in WNC

BOONE, NC — When Hurricane Helene swept across Western North Carolina in September 2024, it unleashed one of the most catastrophic inland flooding events in the region’s history. Homes were lost, wells were contaminated, and thousands were left without access to clean water. Within 48 hours, Wine To Water (WTW), an international nonprofit headquartered in Boone, mobilized a rapid response, delivering safe water, vital supplies, and hope to the hardest-hit communities.

Over the past year, Wine To Water and more than 1,300 dedicated volunteers have:

• Provided free water testing in 23 counties, completing 920+ water quality tests to ensure private wells and spring boxes remain safe
• Distributed over 400,000 gallons of clean drinking water
• Delivered 1.2 million pounds of emergency supplies
• Continued providing filters, hygiene kits, and bulk water to families still in need

While WTW still offers free water quality testing, recovery efforts have transitioned to water-system repairs and disinfections to ensure safe, long-term access to drinking water. 

“Western North Carolina is our home, and our recovery from Hurricane Helene has shown just how strong and united our community is,” said Jeremy Kilday, U.S. Program Director at WTW. “Over the past year, we’ve come a long way—working side by side with families, community organizations, and local agencies to restore safe water access. But our work doesn’t end here. We’re committed to continuing this journey, walking with our neighbors to ensure households have access to the clean, safe water they need to thrive.”

Community Event: Honoring the Journey

Wine To Water will host a free public commemoration event from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 26, at Appalachian Mountain Brewery in Boone.

The evening will include reflections from community partners and families impacted, stories of resilience and recovery, complimentary food and drinks (with RSVP) courtesy of FiltersFast.com, live music and opportunities to get involved in ongoing recovery work

To RSVP for free, visit: hurricaneheleneoneyearcommemoration.eventbrite.com

To support our work in Western North Carolina, please visit give.wtw.org/wnc2025 . For more information about Wine To Water, go to www.wtw.org. To sign up for free water quality testing, visit www.wtw.org/wnc-wqt.
 

About Wine To Water

Wine To Water is an international nonprofit founded to ensure that access to safe drinking water—and the dignity it represents—is available to all communities, both globally and locally. With a history of disaster-response initiatives, including clean water distribution and long-term infrastructure support, WTW mobilizes swiftly, efficiently, and compassionately. In Western North Carolina, our response has been both immediate and sustained to reflect our belief that community resilience must be built through partnership, not just intervention.

Emma Peterson, water quality specialist with Wine To Water, conducts a water quality sample for a homeowner in Western North Carolina. Wine To Water offers free water quality testing in 23 WNC counties as part of the organization's commitment to recovery in the region.