I hiked the AT this past week from Winding Stair Gap near Franklin, NC to Fontana Dam. Finding adequate water was a serious problem. There was absolutely no water at the new shelter near Wayah Bald or at Brown Fork Gap Shelter(even after the big rain). A small drip was at Sassafras Shelter, again despite the big rain and I suspect that drip is dry now. A good supply of water was found at Siler Bald Shelter, Wesser Bald Shelter and Cable Gap Shelter.
Jeff at The Hike Inn Hostel at Fontana said his well is close to being dry, so if in the area plan carefully.