Onondaga County’s water supply faces significant challenges due to a major break in a transmission main, prompting a water conservation alert for thousands of residents. This incident occurred over the weekend near Northern Boulevard and East Taft Road in Cicero.
Water Main Repairs Anticipated to Last Two Weeks
The Onondaga County Water Authority (OCWA) announced it may take up to two weeks to repair a 42-inch diameter pipe. Jeffrey Brown, OCWA’s executive director, indicated that the repair of the 100-foot rupture is a complex task. Crews are working diligently to expedite the process.
Originally, the water authority estimated that repairs would be completed in one week. However, additional assessments may shorten the timeframe if progress is made.
Impact on Water Reservoir Levels
The broken transmission main is vital for transporting water from Lake Ontario to eastern Onondaga County and western Madison County. As a result of the break, the authority issued a conservation alert affecting approximately 27,000 customers across six towns.
- DeWitt
- Manlius
- Pompey
- Fayetteville
- Minoa
- Lenox
- Lincoln
- Sullivan
- Canastota
- Chittenango
Reservoirs typically maintained at full capacity of 50 million gallons were reported to be only 25% full by Sunday evening. Water levels continue to decline, although OCWA is working to keep two million gallons flowing daily to replenish the reservoirs.
Conservation Measures Encouraged
In light of the emergency, the water authority urges customers to limit non-essential water use. Recommended practices include:
- Turning off water while brushing teeth or shaving
- Minimizing dishwasher and washing machine usage
- Utilizing water-saving machine settings
- Taking shorter showers
- Reusing water when feasible
OCWA is also liaising with large users in the conservation area, including specific businesses, to manage water usage effectively during this period.
Operational Status for Emergency Services
Despite the water restrictions, OCWA confirmed that fire hydrants remain operational, ensuring public safety. Fire Chief Jansen Casscles from Manlius stated that while non-emergency water use is limited, fire department operations are unaffected. Emergency water supply sources are under consideration for cleanup after incidents.
Any water customers with urgent concerns can contact OCWA at 315-475-7601. OCWA stresses the importance of adopting water conservation practices during this challenging time, as they work to resolve the infrastructure issues affecting their service area.
