Repair work on a significant rupture of a water transmission line in Central New York is projected to extend into January. This situation has prompted local authorities to enforce water conservation measures across six towns, including DeWitt and Manlius.
Timeline for OCWA Water Pipe Repairs
According to Jeff Brown, executive director of the Onondaga County Water Authority (OCWA), repairs in Cicero may not be completed until the week of January 5. While construction efforts are set to intensify next week, the exact timeline for the job remains uncertain.
Construction Details
Work will commence with the delivery of a large pile driver near Northern Boulevard and East Taft Road. Massive steel sheeting will also arrive, enabling crews to start blocking off the area around the ruptured pipe. The goal is to create a 150-foot trench, followed by the removal of excess water with pumps. Once the new pipe is installed, water flow will resume after appropriate flushing and inspection.
- Location of repairs: Northern Boulevard and East Taft Road
- Start of construction: Week of December 25
- Estimated completion: Week of January 5
- Length of trench: 150 feet
Water Conservation Measures
Residents and businesses are urged to reduce non-essential water usage as part of the mandatory conservation notice issued by county officials. This is critical to stabilize the water supply, especially since the concrete pipe typically serves 27,000 customer accounts.
The demand for water has successfully decreased, allowing for a balance with the supply coming from Otisco Lake and other sources. However, reservoirs in Manlius, which usually contain 50 million gallons, are currently at about 18% capacity.
Impact on Local Schools
The ongoing repairs could affect local schools as thousands of students are scheduled to return on January 5. OCWA is coordinating with the county emergency management department to keep school officials informed about the situation.
Previous Leak Detection Efforts
Crews initially detected a leak in the Eastern Branch Pipeline last week. After attempting temporary repairs, it became evident that replacing the pipe was necessary due to the severity of the damage.
As the situation develops, residents are encouraged to communicate any water pressure issues or business impacts to OCWA. This ongoing repair process is essential for returning to regular service and alleviating water conservation efforts.
