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Nick Mordowanec is a Newsweek investigative reporter based in Michigan. His focus includes U.S. and international politics and policies, immigration, crime and social issues. Other reporting has covered education, economics, and wars in Ukraine and Gaza. Nick joined Newsweek in 2021 from The Oakland Press, and his reporting has been featured in The Detroit News and other publications. His reporting on the opioid epidemic garnered a statewide Michigan Press Association award. The Michigan State University graduate can be reached at n.mordowanec@newsweek.com.

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Officials in Mebane, North Carolina, are warning that the city has less than two days' supply of clean drinking water and could put more than 20,000 residents at risk in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Chantal.

Why It Matters

Mebane's rapidly dwindling drinking water supply underscored the broad and lasting effects of Chantal on central North Carolina communities. The storm claimed at least six lives in the region, closed more than 50 roads and left neighborhoods submerged, resulting in emergency rescues, according to the News & Observer.

Access to clean water became a dire issue as floodwaters contaminated reservoirs and overwhelmed water plants. State and local officials say that unless water usage drops and infrastructure damage is quickly repaired, the town could face taps running dry within 48 hours.

What To Know

City spokesperson Kelly Hunter confirmed Wednesday to Newsweek that Mebane has two days of drinking water left at current usage.

"The city currently has two distribution sites where people can go to drop off and receive water, Hunter said.

One is the Mebane Arts and Community Center, and the other is Mebane Fire Station 2 open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Mebane Arts Center will remain open until 8 p.m. Wednesday.

"Many organizations and people are pitching in to help so the city is not concerned about running out of bottled water at this time," Hunter said. "All regulations will continue until the Graham-Mebane Water Treatment plan is back in operation, and we have no estimated date at this time.

"The city of Mebane is working with local governments and state and federal governments on this situation."

Flooding Compounds Infrastructure Challenges

Tropical Storm Chantal struck with heavy rainfall across the Triangle region on Monday. In Durham, water rescue teams responded to emergencies along the Eno River as neighborhoods like Old Farm saw extensive flooding. With more than 50 roads closed, authorities struggled to transport repair equipment or bring in emergency water tankers.

Wider Impact Across Central North Carolina

The flooding claimed at least six lives, including two boaters found in Jordan Lake, Chatham County. Displacement, property damage and persistent flood watches remain ongoing for the Triangle area as additional rainfall was forecast.

Responses and Recovery Efforts

Local and state leaders coordinated immediate recovery and infrastructure assessments. Officials warned that continued rainfall could further hinder repairs or contaminate water supplies.

Health and Safety Concerns

Public health departments cautioned residents about risks of consuming untreated water amid the crisis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reiterated guidelines for boil-water advisories and flood safety.

What People Are Saying

Mebane Mayor Ed Hooks, on Wednesday: "Our city is working around the clock to restore water service and ensure families have the resources they need. We urge everyone to use water sparingly and follow official updates."

Governor Josh Stein, in a Tuesday statement: "Our hearts go out to the families who lost a loved one during the storm. I am grateful to the local and state emergency responders who worked quickly to evacuate people and keep so many people safe. As counties across central North Carolina continue to recover, we will be there to support them."

North Carolina Emergency Management Director Will Ray: "The State Emergency Response Team remains in close coordination with our state and local partners as we collectively navigate and assess the impacts from Tropical Storm Chantal. This is a reminder for all North Carolinians to be informed, have a plan, and have a disaster kit ready to go at home."

What Happens Next

Authorities continue to monitor water levels and infrastructure stability while distributing bottled water and deploying repair crews. Emergency water conservation measures remained in effect in Mebane and throughout the hardest-hit areas.

With another flood watch in place for the region, the timeline for full recovery and restoration of safe, accessible drinking water for the city's 20,000 residents depends heavily on weather patterns and repair progress over the coming days.

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