BANNER ELK, N.C. — The town of Banner Elk is still without running water as crews work to repair the washed out sewer main at the water treatment plant. According to Banner Elk’s city manager, crews first needed to rebuild the road that lead to the plant before they could even begin repairs. Crews are actively cleaning debris from the lines. Residents are advised that while water may be pumped, it is not safe to drink without boiling. Thanks to the non-profit “Wine to Water,” every family in Banner Elk can get a free water filter today in front of the Historic Banner Elk Elementary school. The filter operates off the same technology as kidney dialysis. Each filter is able to clean more than 400 gallons of water per day and removes 99.99% of bacteria.