**UPDATE: On Saturday, July 12, the town of Hillsborough announced that its water treatment plant is back online, so residents are no longer being asked to conserve water. The town’s wastewater treatment system is also up and running again: one flooded pump station will likely take over a month to repair, but temporary pumps have been installed to bypass the damage. Click here for more details from the town.
The original story from Wednesday, July 9 is below.
After more than two days of being under a boil water notice after significant flooding from Tropical Depression Chantal’s severe weather, the Town of Hillsborough lifted the measure for residents and customers on Wednesday afternoon — but still warned against using much water.
A release from the local government shortly before 3 p.m. said the notice is no longer necessary after testing of the water samples found no bacteria in the distribution system, which was a concern since Sunday from Hillsborough’s clear wells for drinking water being flooded by the Eno River. The town said more than 30 samples were taken and returned as clean, which means customers do not need to boil water before drinking or washing items, nor run water, change filters or dump ice out of fear of contamination.
The update, however, does not mean the town’s water and sewer operations have returned to normal. The water treatment plant on Dimmocks Mill Road is still offline for repairs and cleaning, and the wastewater treatment plant off Elizabeth Brady Road was also flooded. As a result, the town urged its water and sewer customers to conserve usage for the time being. Hillsborough recommended customers do not wash clothes or cars, irrigate land, pressure-wash or use water beyond basic necessities to help maintain the temporary water supply.
For now, the town said it is currently paying the City of Durham for drinking water received through a water system interconnection, with that being the sole supply of water — and a significant increase of water use could affect both water pressure and the system’s supply. Additionally, conserving water prevents more wastewater from needing to be treated. Hillsborough said roughly 75% of its sewer customers’ wastewater would be flowing directly into the Eno River without any treatment because of its flooded pump station, so limiting their washing or flushing toilets is recommended.
In its Wednesday update, Hillsborough said it is estimated for it to take “several days” to bring the water treatment plant back online, with the Utilities Department and contractors working to restore operations.
“We appreciate the public’s help in keeping water supply available for everyone, including critical facilities such as the hospital and medical facilities,” said the town’s release.
The Hillsborough community is not alone is facing water-use restrictions. The City of Mebane issued an emergency alert Wednesday morning saying between flood damage at its Graham/Mebane Water Treatment Plant and the current usage, it projected less than two days’ worth of clean water supplies left.
Additional details about water advisories and notices can be found on the Town of Hillsborough’s website.
Featured photo via Chapel Hill Media Group.
Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees, and you can directly support our efforts in local journalism here. Want more of what you see on Chapelboro? Let us bring free local news and community information to you by signing up for our newsletter.
Related Stories
‹

Memorial Day to Affect Local Government Services Around Orange County (2025)The observation of Memorial Day on Monday, May 26 will affect multiple local government services around the Orange County community. Here’s a complete list of which services in which towns will be moved due to the holiday: Town of Chapel Hill Memorial Day is an official town holiday. Most town and other administrative offices will […]

Memorial Day to Affect Local Government Services Around Orange CountyThe observation of Memorial Day on Monday, May 29 will affect multiple local government services around Orange County. Here’s a complete list of which services in which towns will be moved due to the holiday: Town of Chapel Hill Memorial Day is an official town holiday. Town and other administrative offices will be closed. Curbside […]

Conversations with the Mayors: Chapel Hill Town Budget, Memorial DayChapel Hill Mayor Pam Hemminger spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Thursday, May 26. This is a transcript of the interview where she discussed reactions to the Texas school shooting, the town Budget, Memorial Day activities, and more. To listen to the full interview, click here. Andrew Stuckey: It’s time for our weekly […]

Conversations with the Mayors: Orange County Memorial Day Activities And Longtime Homeowners Assistance ProgramThe Hill’s Andrew Stuckey spoke with Chair of the Orange County Commissioners Renee Price on Wednesday, May 25th. She discussed the Orange County Longtime Homeowners Assistance Program, Memorial Day activities, and more. Below is a full transcript. To listen to the full interview, click here. Andrew Stuckey: Joining us on News on […]

Conversations with the Mayors: Hillsborough Town Budget, Art WalkThe Hill’s Andrew Stuckey spoke with Hillsborough Mayor Jenn Weaver on Tuesday, May 24th. She discussed the town budget, and the Last Friday Art Walk. Below is a full transcript. To listen to the full interview, click here. Andrew Stuckey: Let’s talk about last night’s town budget meeting. Was there anything noteworthy […]
![]()
Hillsborough: Budget Discussions, Pride Flags and a New Logo!Hillsborough Mayor Jenn Weaver speaks with 97.9 The Hill's Brighton McConnell following Memorial Day in our community. She shares how she and other Hillsborough residents honored the holiday before sharing some updates on what the town government is focused on heading into June. Plus: Pride flags are hanging in downtown for the first time and the town government recently refreshed its logo!
![]()
Orange County's Local Government Services Affected by Memorial DayMemorial Day on Monday is a holiday for many of the local governments. While the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has already affected many services the towns and county offers, those active may be affected by the holiday. Here’s a list of what services will be altered on Monday, May 25: Town of Chapel Hill Chapel Hill […]
![]()
Hillsborough: Special Meeting of the Board, Storm Recovery, Occaneechi VillageHillsborough Mayor Mark Bell Spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stucky on Tuesday, July 15, discussing town news and events. He discussed an upcoming meeting of the Hillsborough Board of Commissioners to address how to pay for storm recovery, and to hear an initial assessment of the response. He talked about the steps needed to start recovery on Gold Park and River Walk, as well as the state of the historic Occaneechi replica village, and more.

Despite Restored Water Operations, Town of Hillsborough Faces Extensive Costs From FloodingWhile the Town of Hillsborough ended its conservation call for water and sewer customers after flooding damaged and contaminated its treatment plants, the road back to normal operations appears to be long for the small town. Historic rain from Tropical Depression Chantal led to flooding levels not seen for decades in Orange County, with parts […]

Hillsborough Repairs Water, Wastewater Treatment Plants; Residents No Longer Asked To ConserveThe Town of Hillsborough lifted the boil water notice for residents on Wednesday afternoon — but still warned against using much water.
›
Comments on Chapelboro are moderated according to our Community Guidelines