Onondaga County and the Onondaga County Water Authority (OCWA) provide an update on water main repairs, emphasizing the importance of water conservation amid the upcoming winter weather. Despite the heavy snowfall, officials remain cautious, ensuring that temporary water pumps, running on diesel, can withstand power outages. Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon reassures residents that no progress was lost over the weekend, and the county is in a better position to manage the construction project. However, he stresses the need for continued water conservation efforts.
Byrne Dairy, a major water user, is actively conserving water. Jeff Brown, OCWA's executive director, confirms that the system is stable and can maintain eastern reservoirs at the same pace as usage, thanks to conservation efforts. A bypass of the inner connection was successfully implemented on Saturday, addressing low-pressure areas.
The repair process involves:
- Using a pile driver to drive 24-foot-long piles and sheets.
- Utilizing 26,000 square feet of heavy-duty wood/mat.
- Managing high-tension wires above the worksite, which will be de-energized by National Grid.
- Operating 24/7.
The timeline for completion is uncertain, with officials aiming for a better estimate by the end of the week. They are optimistic that the project will be completed within two weeks from this Friday, with de-watering being the critical factor. The financial aspect is significant, as the project will cost several million dollars, but residents' rates will remain unaffected due to the available reserve funds.
