Central Asheville Watershed

Restoration Plan

The completion of the Central Asheville Watershed Restoration Plan is an important milestone for our Watershed Resources program. The year-long study examined water quality issues in three urban streams (Town Branch, Bacoate Branch and Haith Branch) that flow through Asheville and empty into the French Broad River. The result of the study is a comprehensive watershed restoration plan that RiverLink and partners can use to guide their work of improving water quality in the French Broad River and its tributaries. 

Explore the restoration plan

Water Quality Issues in the Central Asheville Watershed

The two-square mile watershed is a priority area for RiverLink due to its complex environmental, economic, and social equity issues. The streams covered in the study—Town Branch, Bacoate Branch and Haith Branch—are all impacted by numerous issues, including: stormwater runoff from developed areas, piped streams, and aging infrastructure.

All three streams in the Central Asheville watershed flow into a section of the French Broad River that is a popular recreation destination for local residents and out of town visitors. With E-coli levels in this area of the River frequently exceeding the EPA’s recommended limit for safe swimming, it is imperative that we take action now to make our waterways healthy for all.

Town Branch

Town Branch Creek
Also known as Nasty Branch, this is one of the most impaired streams in Buncombe County. It has been negatively affected by runoff from development, aging infrastructure, and industrial pollution. The orange boom across Town Branch is soaking up an ongoing petroleum plume that originates from the nearby railroad property.

Bacoate Branch

Bacote Branch Creek
Bacoate Branch was named in 2017 through a Name that Creek campaign to honor the late Osie W. Bacoate. Beginning near Aston Park, Bacoate Branch is piped below ground for the majority of its journey to the French Broad River.

Haith Branch

In Spring 2020, the community voted to name Haith Branch in honor of Lacy T. Haith (1909-2004). Mr Haith was a well-loved educator and civil rights leader. Haith Branch flows through a wooded area of A-B Tech’s campus and has the best water quality of the CAW streams. The Haith Branch watershed is a rare gem in a highly urban area, and worthy of protection.

The project was funded by generous grants from the N.C. Clean Water Management Trust Fund and the Pigeon River Fund. RiverLink also partnered with the City of Asheville on the project, and hired  a consultant team led by Blue Earth Planning, Engineering & Design with staff from Wildlands Engineering, Penrose Environmental, Ecosystem Services, Headwater Environmental, Sitework Studios, and FrontWater geo Planning + Design.

Other Resources