The City of Mebane is facing unprecedented times after Tropical Storm Chantal dropped more than ten inches of rain on Sunday. The city is currently under a Stage 5 water restriction plan, which means all industries, businesses, and offices must close unless they are a grocery store, health care facility, or drug store.
All residents who use city water must not use any water unless for limited drinking—only if they have no access to bottled water—and limited restroom usage. These restrictions will remain in place until the Graham-Mebane Water Treatment Plant is operating properly again. The city has no current timeline for repairs. The Orange-Alamance Water System attempted to supply water but had problems with connecting.
On Wednesday, Mebane City Councilman Sean Ewing was at the Mebane Arts and Community Center collecting cases of bottled water alongside the Mebane Fire Department and Public Works employees.
“I’m proud of the fire department, businesses, and residents for coming together,” said Ewing. “That’s why people are coming here. We stick together.”
Mebane residents are being instructed to go to the Mebane Arts and Community Center to for a case of water, and those with extra cases are encouraged to donate. Sheetz gas station delivered a truckload of bottled water to help with the effort, and other local businesses are also collecting water throughout the city.
Ewing went on to explain that only one water pump is currently working and warned that it would be a significant setback if the last one failed. The city currently has less than two days of potable drinking water at normal usage levels, which is why water restrictions were put in place.
The Mayor of Mebane, Ed Hooks, and other city officials held a press conference Wednesday afternoon to address the water issues and explain the restrictions. They had no updates as to when the water pumps will be fixed.
With more rain expected in the coming days, residents are urged to stay alert and follow updates from the City of Mebane.