People stock up on water in Mebane amid shortage
MEBANE, N.C. (WTVD) -- Essential businesses like grocery stores are open, but non-essential businesses like restaurants are closed in Mebane.
During the first full day of the restriction, just as quickly as stores stocked the shelves with water, they were empty in just a couple of hours on Wednesday evening.
Mebane was a ghost town on Thursday morning. Businesses that would typically be open were closed. Signs were posted on each door stating the business was closed due to the city's mandatory water restrictions.
Families impacted by the water shortage are simply trying to make do with limited water access.
Judy Panning and Louise Lochner were sitting on Lochner's porch in Mebane and explained how things are going for them.
Sounds like it's going to be several days before we'll be off this restriction. So obviously, we'll have to rely on bottled water to do anything. And we were just talking about, you know, as far as doing laundry or anything, having to go either in Hillsborough or somewhere," said Panning
She was able to find bottled water but it wasn't easy.
"We went to Food Lion and the supply was pretty low, but we're able to get water. But now like laundry, showers, anything like that. Obviously, we're not able to do," she continued.
Local business owners have set up a distribution and donation site for families along Clay Street in Downtown.
You can pick up bottled water on July 10th and 11th from 11-1 and 4-7.
You can drop off donations from 10-5 at Clay Street Tavern. Organizers are asking for water, baby wipes, hand sanitizer, and disposable utensils like spoons, forks, and paper plates.
Day 1: CodeRed Water Restrictions
"I didn't hear no special alert. But if you go on the city of Mebane's webpage, it do say red alert. I had to go and find that out myself," said Marquel Holman, Mebane Resident.
ABC11 News spoke with several people in Mebane, who did not expect the storm to cause so much damage, as the flooding impacted the water system.
"I'm very surprised by it. One storm shouldn't knock everything out," said Markel Holman.
"I'm worried that the water is going to run out. There wasn't a lot in there. I know people are supposed to be bringing more," said Emma Cain, Mebane Resident.
The Layell family, who live off First Street, told ABC11 their neighborhood doesn't have any water at the moment.
Kayla Layell said she bought cases and gallons of water an hour away for herself, siblings, and mother.
They are hoping the power stays on.
RELATED | City of Mebane issues highest-level water shortage notice; some businesses told to close
"I didn't think it was that serious until today, when they said it was a level five, and there was no water, and there was like two days of water left for the city. So then, my mom texted me and told me to get water for us to drink, cook, brush our teeth, simple things. And we can't shower or anything, so I'm going over to a friend's to shower later," said Layell.
Along Clay Street in the heart of Mebane, neighbors are helping neighbors.
Business owners at Clay Street Tavern and Martinos, along with others, gave out water to those in need.
"I've known it for 17 years, man. And part of the Mebane community. And it's, it's just so fulfilling," said Wendy Day, Clay Street Tavern.
Tropical Storm Chantal caused water levels at Lake Michael to overflow the dam, leading to a partial breach and major flooding inside the Graham-Mebane Water Treatment Plant. The city was forced to enact a 'stage five' of its water shortage plan that urges residents to limit water use.
Friends dropped off endless pallets of water to help fill the gap.
"It's been phenomenal. You look around, we have had tons of volunteers, lots and lots of donations, amazing community support,' said Steve Krans, Martinos.
City officials say there was about six feet of water in the building, shutting down all pumping capabilities into the plant to treat water and also to the distribution systems.
People in Mebane are only using water for drinking, restroom, and medical use.
Grocery stores, health care facilities, and pharmacies are remaining open because they are considered essential.
SEE ALSO | How to help following disastrous flooding in central NC from Tropical Storm Chantal
