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The Onondaga County Water Authority (OCWA) is urging residents in six towns to conserve water following a major break in a 42-inch water main. The break, caused by shifting soil and excessive groundwater, affects the transmission of Lake Ontario water from a pump station in Clay to reservoirs serving the eastern half of OCWA’s system.
Residents in Manlius, Pompey, DeWitt, Sullivan, Lenox, and Lincoln are asked to reduce non-essential water use. Suggestions include turning off taps while brushing teeth or shaving, limiting the use of dishwashers and washing machines, using water-saving settings on appliances, taking shorter showers, and reusing water when possible.
According to Syracuse.com, the break occurred at the intersection of Taft Road and Northern Boulevard in Cicero. OCWA is working to complete the complex repair, which could take up to two weeks. The authority is rerouting water from other sources to maintain flow and pressure, though customers may experience reduced water flow and pressure.
OCWA has issued a water conservation alert and will provide updates through its website and social media. Customers with urgent concerns can contact OCWA’s after-hours emergency service, but may face delays in reaching a representative.
OCWA serves 340,000 residents across five counties, including Onondaga, Oswego, Madison, Oneida, and Cayuga. Residents are encouraged to follow conservation measures to help manage the situation until repairs are completed.