Onondaga Officials Keep Water System Stable During Repairs

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon and officials from the Onondaga County Water Authority (OCWA) held a press conference on January 2 to provide an update on the ongoing water main break. The situation remains serious but is under control as repair efforts continue.

County officials reported that progress at the repair site has been steady, with more water being added to reserves than being used. Initially, reserves were at about 20% when the break occurred, but they have now increased to between 23 and 25%. This improvement is attributed to the public's efforts in conserving water.

Conserving water is still crucial as OCWA crews work tirelessly through a multi-step repair process. Officials emphasized that the current phase of the operation, which involves installing metal sheeting at the site, is expected to be completed by Friday night. This will allow crews to begin the de-watering process.

The removal of the existing pipe is anticipated to occur around January 9, followed by the installation of the new pipe, which is expected to be completed by January 16. If all goes according to plan, water conservation measures could be lifted by this date.

“Through this process, we actually have been able to increase the reserves because of conservation and the efforts of all our partners and the team at OCWA, so what could have been a crisis now looks to be a managed process,” McMahon said during the press conference.

Residents are reminded to continue limiting their water use until the repairs are complete. The county is working closely with OCWA to ensure that the repairs are completed efficiently and safely.

Key Details of the Repair Process

• Installation of Metal Sheetings: Expected to be completed by Friday night, allowing for the de-watering process to begin.
• Removal of Existing Pipe: Scheduled for around January 9.
• Installation of New Pipe: Projected to be completed by January 16, potentially leading to the lifting of water conservation measures if everything proceeds as planned.

County officials have praised the cooperation of residents and the dedication of OCWA crews. They have stressed the importance of continued water conservation to support the repair efforts and prevent further complications.

The situation serves as a reminder of the critical role that community involvement plays in managing infrastructure challenges. By working together, the county and its residents are ensuring that the water supply remains stable and reliable.

As the repair process moves forward, updates will continue to be provided to keep the public informed. Residents are encouraged to stay tuned for further information and to follow any additional guidelines issued by county officials.