Limited water treatment resumes in Mebane after Chantal flooding, but challenges remain

The city of Mebane on Thursday said it has resumed limited water treatment at its water treatment plant, but that the facility is still days away from being fully operational after it was damaged by flooding from Tropical Depression Chantal.

The city announced it had made enough progress to resume water production.

“This vital step allows the City of Mebane to begin a multi-day process of gradually returning to normal water operations,” the city said in a statement.

The city said residents will notice a “discoloration in their water,” but the water remains safe to use under the city’s Stage 5 mandatory restrictions, which prevent all industries, businesses, offices and non-residential operations from using water unless they are grocery stores, healthcare facilities or pharmacies.

Additionally, residents may only use city water for drinking purposes when bottled water is unavailable, limited restroom usage, required medical usage and showers.

Mebane was one of the hardest his areas from Chantal on Sunday and into Monday morning, which included Moore County, Chatham County, Durham and Orange County experiencing generational flooding.

While the city said it’s made progress on restoring water to the city, significant repairs, such as repairs to the pump motor and replacements, were still needed and the plant’s primary electrical breaker is still out.

The city said full restoration could take a few more days, adding that residents in Graham will receive water from Burlington while repairs in Mebane are ongoing.

The city gave a list of locations where residents can pick up bottled water from:

• Mebane Arts & Community Center- 633 Corregidor Street
• Summit Church- 1485 Mebane Oaks Road
• Mebane Fire Department, Station #2- 405 N. First Street
• Clay Street Tavern and Provisions- 130 W. Clay Street
• Crafted Taco- 119 W. Clay Street
• Bright Penny- 107 N. Seventh Street
• Grit and Grace- 108A W. Clay Street
• Knuckleheads- 401 E. Center Street
• Breakthrough Community Church- 703 S. Third Street
• Lowes Home Improvement- 200 Lowes Blvd.

“The City of Mebane is deeply grateful for the outpouring of support during this challenging
time. From water donations to volunteer coordination, we’ve seen neighbors helping neighbors
and communities unite in powerful ways. Your generosity, compassion, and willingness to step
up remind us why Mebane is such a special place to call home,” stated Public Information
Officer Kelly Hunter.

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