ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) -- Water Resources Department spokesman Clay Chandler delivered the good news on Monday, Nov. 18: the City of Asheville's water is okay to drink after final testing came back showing no E. coli or coliform bacteria.

More than 21 million gallons are now flowing through the city's main water treatment plant adjacent to the North Fork Reservoir, which is about seven miles outside Swannanoa. North Fork Reservoir supplies the majority of Asheville's water.

Russ Keith owns The Grey Eagle Music Hall and Taqueria. Like many business owners, he said he was happy to learn the news.

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"The kitchen's very happy," said Keith. "We can make sweet tea again. Washing dishes was the big thing. Just having people be able to drink fresh water while they're at a concert is now a big relief instead of handing out plastic water bottles."

On Friday, Nov. 15, Chandler said the testing would be performed at 120 different sites. On Monday, he said testing took place on Saturday and Sunday with an 18-hour incubation period for the results.

The significance is overwhelming," said David McCartney, general manager of Kimpton Hotel Arras. "I'm thankful my staff will have water in their homes. I'm thankful that our visitors will have water.

McCartney said the hotel has been open, but only half the 128 rooms are currently booked.

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"I do want to thank the city and Water Resources Department," McCartney said.

He added that he felt the city's focus on the water issue was warranted and that 54 days was a reasonable time frame, especially given the severity of damage to the city's system.

McCartney also felt leaders were transparent and sensitive to the community's wish to have daily updates on progress leading to this day. The hotel has about 80 employees, including in the bar and restaurant.

"They've called us and told us they're looking forward to getting back to work," McCartney said.

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October and November are key tourism months that were lost due to Helene. However, McCartney feels the focus now is on the future months and promoting the fact that recovery is still underway.

"More and more people are booking every day to come back to Asheville," McCartney said.