“Viewpoints” is a place on Chapelboro where local people are encouraged to share their unique perspectives on issues affecting our community. All thoughts, ideas, opinions and expressions in this series are those of the author, and do not reflect the work, reporting or approval of 97.9 The Hill and Chapelboro.com. If you’d like to contribute a column on an issue you’re concerned about, interesting happenings around town, reflections on local life — or anything else — send a submission to viewpoints@wchl.com.
No Lives Lost, but Lives Forever Disrupted
A perspective from Cynthia Powell
I am writing in response to the July 22nd Viewpoints perspective “University Lake Dam and Recent Flooding of Morgan Creek” by Todd Taylor, Executive Director of OWASA. While Carrboro residents are grateful that there was no disruption in water or sewer service after Tropical Depression Chantal, the devastation and near tragic events the night of July 6th in the Weatherhill Pointe community, downstream of University Lake, would seem to demand a more thorough investigation by OWASA regarding steps that can be taken to prevent such a disaster from happening again.
The “very basic construction” of the dam at University Lake and its overflow into Morgan Creek leading to the destruction of the Weatherhill Pointe community, despite the efforts of OWASA staff being “on-site all night” watching the water level rise but apparently not to the level where an evacuation notification was needed is not a reassuring response. Seven feet of water rushed into this neighborhood at 9:30 pm. A resident who had the misfortune of being in their car during the flash flood had to cling to their car door to avoid being swept away by the water. Cars were washed into the pond. Water levels rose to four feet inside homes. Residents were trapped in their homes and had to climb onto beds and then dressers to stay above the water. All of this happened in darkness as the electricity went out before the flooding began. Swift water boat rescues by the fire department finally evacuated those trapped. Thankfully no lives were lost but lives will be forever disrupted.
Most had no flood insurance; many of the 41 homes partially destroyed were above the flood plain. Dry wall, floors, furniture, appliances, electrical systems, HVAC units and cars have to be replaced. There is likely at least $15 million in personal property damage in the community. Those with savings for retirement and college tuition are using these funds to secure a place to live and try and restore their homes.
Gone are photos, keepsakes, and children’s toys and artwork but worse is that there is no reassurance that this will not happen again. Volunteer organizations, individual volunteers and neighbors have been extremely generous in providing help with the cleanup; the president of the Homeowners Association is an unsung hero. The Carrboro Fire Chief is very supportive and working hard to provide information. But more answers are needed as to why this happened and if there are any measures that can be taken to prevent it from happening again. We need to have our local government and agencies including OWASA rise to the challenge.
Former resident of Weatherhill Pointe, Cynthia Powell
“Viewpoints” on Chapelboro is a recurring series of community-submitted opinion columns. All thoughts, ideas, opinions and expressions in this series are those of the author, and do not reflect the work or reporting of 97.9 The Hill and Chapelboro.com.
