Order to not use water in Mebane; businesses told to remain closed amid shortage

MEBANE, N.C. (WGHP) — Non-essential businesses in the City of Mebane are still being ordered to remain closed and people are being told to limit their water usage amid a water shortage caused by Tropical Storm Chantal.

Mebane has declared its “Water Shortage Response Plan—Declaration of Rationing Stage V mandatory restrictions,” which go into effect immediately.

The Graham–Mebane Water Treatment Plant was inundated with flooding from the Graham-Mebane Lake and its connecting tributaries as a result of Chantal, leading to the plant being unable to operate.

The city says that the plant is still under repair and that Mebane has less than 2 days of drinking water left at the rate of usage.

As a result, a water shortage has been declared and restrictions on water usage could remain in place for multiple days. Stage V restrictions are the highest level outlined in the city’s plan.

Under those restrictions, “all industries, businesses, offices, and non-residential units” are to cease operations unless they fall into one of these categories:

• Grocery stores
• Health care facilities
• Pharmacies/drug stores

People in Mebane are being told not to use any water other than for limited drinking, limited restroom usage and required medical usage. Water should not be used for drinking if bottled water is available and showers are not considered to be a part of limited restroom usage.

Mebane says the restrictions will be enforced by city personnel and law enforcement.

The restrictions will remain in place until the plant is once again operating and there is no current estimate as to when that will be.

The city has received bottled water for distribution and is working to identify sites to do so.

Mebane is under a state of emergency. However, there is no boil water advisory in place currently.