City of Mebane issues highest-level water shortage notice; some businesses told to close
MEBANE, N.C. (WTVD) -- The City of Mebane has issued a CodeRED on Wednesday because of a water shortage caused by flooding from Tropical Storm Chantal.
According to the city, the Graham-Mebane Water Treatment Plant is still undergoing repairs because of damage from the tropical storm. Excessive flooding inside the water plant forced the city to enact stage 5 of its Water Shortage Response Plan, which calls for mandatory water restrictions.
Because of the limited availability of water, the city manager issued a public declaration of a water shortage Wednesday morning. It's the city's highest level and could remain in place for several days.
Thursday afternoon, Mebane city leaders said they have resumed water production even as the plant continues to undergo repairs.
As the Stage V plan remains in place, they are allowing limited restroom use, showers and required medical usage. They still strongly encourage people to use bottled water as an alternative.
Click here to find distribution and donation sites.
No water means no business
Empty tables and chairs just after lunch are an unusual sight for Tory Williams, who is the general manager at Bright Penny Brewing. No water means no business and he will likely have to toss out some of the restaurant's food too.
"There could be some food lost depending on how long this could go on for," said Williams. "We're at a standstill. Without water, we can't make anything."
The response plan also calls for people and businesses across the city to stop water use except for limited drinking water.
We're at a standstill. Without water, we can't make anything.Tory Williams, Bright Penny Brewing
"The pump building and controls were flooded out. It had about six feet of water in the building that basically shut down all pumping capabilities into the plant to treat water and also into the distribution systems," said one city official.
Offices and businesses like Gallery Florist and Gifts shut their doors. Manager Dakota Jones said he's already been in touch with customers. He has flower arrangements to make for two funerals this weekend that could be postponed.
"We had to call a few customers to let them know we have their orders postponed until further notice. The ones that are later on in the week, we've called to let them know," said Jones. "Flowers need water. A lot of our stuff inside the cooler is based on that."
Mebane officials said the only exceptions are grocery stores, healthcare facilities and pharmacies like Warren's Drug Store.
"These folks rely on us. Sort of like the pandemic, we were open. I don't think we ever missed a day," said Stephen Joyce, with Warren's Drug Store.
City officials said it's receiving water and identifying distribution sites for residents to pick up water. Williams said Bright Penny will become one of those sites.
"We don't have a date and time just yet, but we will be a hub here in Mebane for people to come get cases of water," he said.
Anyone not adhering to this regulation could face a $100 fine. There is no timeline on when residents will get the green light to use water.
The city said that under the Stage 5 restriction, all industries, businesses, offices, and non-residential units must cease operations unless they fall into one of the following essential categories:
- Grocery stores
- Health care facilities
- Pharmacies/drug stores
The city is urging everyone to use bottled water or other alternative sources for drinking water.
City leaders say town personnel and local law enforcement will enforce the Water Shortage Plan.
During a press conference on Wednesday, Kyle Smith, the city's Public Utilities Director, stated that the pump building and controls at the water plant were flooded, with about 6 feet of water in the building.
"We basically shut down the pumping capabilities into the plant to treat water, and into the distribution system," he said.
Smith said the city is working to repair the damage at the facility, which is starting to produce water at a minimum capacity.
Watch Full Press Conference:
