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Repairs on a broken water pipe in Onondaga County are facing delays due to severe winter weather. The pipe, managed by the Onondaga County Water Authority (OCWA), serves approximately 27,000 customers in towns including Manlius, DeWitt, Pompey, Sullivan, Lenox, and Lincoln. The repairs were initially expected to conclude in early January, but now officials will not provide a new timeline until the end of this week.
According to Syracuse.com, a predicted snowstorm with up to two feet of snow and gusty winds is complicating repair efforts. County Executive Ryan McMahon stated, "We may lose a little ground in the next day or two. The weather isn’t cooperating." The repair process involves dewatering the site at Northern Boulevard and East Taft Road, which is hindered by increased water levels due to rain and snow.
Spectrum Local News reported that OCWA's Executive Director Jeff Brown highlighted the challenges posed by the weather, saying, "The length of time it takes to dewater the site is going to be the wildcard." Despite these challenges, conservation efforts are proving effective, with temporary water supplements and conservation measures in place to maintain water supply.
OCWA is working 24/7 to complete the repairs, which involve replacing 134 feet of pipe. The ongoing conservation measures are crucial, as emphasized by OCWA, urging residents to continue conserving water. Until the repairs are completed, OCWA is relying on temporary water sources and conservation to meet the needs of the affected areas.