Tropical Storm Chantal Water Usage Update

Tropical Storm Chantal has resulted in initial flash flooding, with further flooding continuing to occur in some areas, and several locations experiencing power outages. This includes the Graham-Mebane Water Treatment Plant. The Water Treatment Plant has been inundated with flooding from Graham-Mebane Lake and its connecting tributaries, resulting in the plant’s inability to operate. As a result, the Cities of Graham and Mebane will activate their mutual assistance agreements with the City of Burlington and the Orange-Alamance Water Authority to serve Graham citizens during this interim phase until the Graham-Mebane Water Treatment Plant regains the ability to operate safely. In the meantime, we would like to ask that customers conserve water during this interim phase, since operations cannot be conducted at normal water usage amounts. We request that all residential units only use water for essential purposes. These efforts are being made to assist the City in keeping the water system operational, at least at a low-pressure level of service. Additionally, please note that the transfer of water supply will result in a pressure drop within the Graham water system, and the potential for discoloration and turbidity in water lines will occur during the changeover and redirection from the connection to the new water system. Please be aware that there is no estimate on a time frame for when the Graham-Mebane Water Treatment Plant will be fully operational. Also, remember to contact 911 in the event of emergencies.