Syracuse, New York, is experiencing a significant collaborative effort to address a water crisis affecting the region. After facing severe water pressure issues last winter, the city received support from the Onondaga County Water Authority (OCWA). Today, Syracuse is stepping up to assist OCWA in a crucial time of need.
Syracuse Aids OCWA Amid Water Crisis
Recently, a major conduit rupture in Cicero disrupted water service for six towns east of Syracuse, prompting the city to help. Syracuse is now supplying an additional 800,000 gallons of water per day to the town of DeWitt. Previously, the city provided approximately 400,000 gallons daily to DeWitt, bringing the total to 1.2 million gallons.
Cooperation Between Water Authorities
DeWitt primarily serves its residents directly using local sources. However, the town is utilizing the extra water from Syracuse to lessen its dependence on OCWA’s supply. Robert Brandt, the water commissioner for Syracuse, emphasized the importance of collaboration among water districts.
- “We work together,” Brandt stated. “We coordinate together. We all try to do our part.”
In addition to supplying water to DeWitt, Syracuse has opened a boundary gate at Burnet Avenue and Thompson Road. This move enables OCWA to provide water directly to more commercial areas within the town. Additionally, OCWA is transferring water from its western district back into the city system to maintain pressure without depleting main storage tanks.
Impact of the Water Main Break
The leak has left residents in six towns—DeWitt, Manlius, Pompey, Lenox, Lincoln, and Sullivan—vulnerable. Collectively, these towns typically consume about 5 million gallons of water daily. To mitigate the crisis, officials are urging both businesses and residents to lower their water use to approximately 3.5 million gallons per day.
Key customers affected include Lotte Biologics, a pharmaceutical company, and the Carr Street Generation Station, a natural gas power plant. Each institution consumes over 200,000 gallons of water each day.
Support from Syracuse to Local Businesses
As part of its efforts, Syracuse has contracted with Byrne Dairy to supply water for the production facility in East Syracuse. This agreement allows Byrne Dairy to access city hydrants, facilitating the transport of around 100,000 gallons of water daily.
In summary, Syracuse’s proactive assistance to OCWA during this water crisis demonstrates the power of inter-agency collaboration. The city’s contributions aim to ensure that its own residents maintain adequate water service. Brandt noted that they are providing as much support as possible while safeguarding the city’s own supplies.
