North Carolina is still reeling from the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in late September. Nearly 100 people died in the storm and an equal number are still missing. Many people are without running water, more than 10,000 are without power, and the number of road closures in and out of the state is just under 600. These numbers are all down significantly from where they once were, according to NC Governor Roy Cooper, but the fact remains that we still have a long road to recovery ahead of us.
The western part of the state was especially hard hit. We recently wrote about the effect the hurricane had on the thriving coffee community in Asheville, a city once thought to be climate resilient. Without access to water, the coffee industry in Western North Carolina (WNC) is in a holding pattern; even if they had power and road access, cafes cannot function. In response, many coffee technicians in the area are stepping up efforts to provide mobile water units to coffee shops as a stopgap solution.
One of those companies is Re-Automator, an Asheville-based espresso technician owned and operated by Adam and Natalie Edwards. Working with other local technicians, including The Service Layer – a network of independent coffee technicians – and Asheville-based Underground Mountain, the Edwards create and lend free mobile water systems to give cafes water access to operate their espresso machines. “There has been no water in the area since the hurricane and even once the water starts flowing, it will likely take weeks to months before it is drinkable,” Adam tells Sprudge. “These systems ensure that cafes can open, supply coffee to the community and keep their staff employed. I don’t know how long most cafes can afford to stay closed.”
The systems vary depending on need, but they are “very similar to what you would see in a well-designed coffee trailer or mobile application,” says Adam. In addition to five-gallon containers of reverse osmosis water, the systems typically also include a pump to draw the water into the espresso machine. Through The Service Layer, who worked with individual companies to finance the project, they were able to purchase twelve high-volume Caffewerks pumps (costing a total of more than $6,000) which they have since loaned out.
Adam says they have built another twelve systems themselves, and there is still a need for more. A total of 16 units have already been installed thanks to the support of Trail Blaze Coffee Academy, Slayer Espresso, Little Waves Coffee Roasters, Variety Coffee Roasters, Luminaire Coffee, Voltage Coffee Supply and Espresso Medic in Australia.
Re-Automator is currently looking for more roasters and equipment manufacturers to help sponsor these units, as well as individual donors who feel compelled to do so. Interested parties can contact them directly at reautomatortech@gmail.com. Other ways Adam says people can get involved are by purchasing from coffee roasters in the WNC area, many of whom are helping with recovery efforts for the community at large. Or people can also donate directly to one of the GoFundMe campaigns for cafes trying to get back on their feet; Chris McAuley of Getchusomegear has put together an updated spreadsheet of fundraising campaigns.
“Don’t make any mistakes. This is going to change Asheville forever and the future is uncertain,” says Adam. “I can say that the local, regional and even international private response has been wonderful to see and very encouraging. From Canadian linemen to friends with pickup trucks full of water and food.”
For more information about the mobile water unit initiative or to stay informed of its progress, follow Re-Automator’s Instagram account.
Zac Cadwalader is the mothereditor at Sprudge Media Network and a staff writer based in Dallas. Read more Zac Cadwalader on Sprudge.
