Oneida Aids Neighbors During Water Crisis: ‘We’re Here to Help’
In a critical response to a water crisis affecting its neighboring communities, Oneida, NY stepped up to assist Canastota and Chittenango. The coordination, overseen by Water Superintendent Andrew Campany, showcased Oneida’s commitment to helping nearby villages during an emergency situation.
Oneida’s Response to the Water Crisis
On Saturday, an urgent call prompted rapid action from Oneida’s water department. By Monday, the city had opened a 12-inch emergency valve along Route 5, linking to Onondaga County Water Authority (OCWA) pipes. This connection began delivering 800,000 gallons of water per day to areas struggling with a severe water main break.
Impact on Surrounding Villages
The extra water supply was crucial for Canastota and Chittenango, which together serve nearly 10,000 residents. According to Campany, the villages managed to maintain water availability despite the crisis.
- Canastota’s storage tanks were filled to capacity thanks to Oneida’s assistance.
- Water started being rerouted to Chittenango shortly after the initial supply was secured.
Details of the Water Supply Emergency
The water crisis originated from a rupture in an OCWA water line sourced from Lake Ontario. This incident jeopardized the supply for six towns: Manlius, DeWitt, and Pompey within Onondaga County; and Sullivan, Lenox, and Lincoln in Madison County. Workers swiftly commenced repairs on a main distribution line in Cicero to restore service.
Collaborative Efforts and Conservation
OCWA Executive Director Jeffrey Brown praised Oneida’s response as “really, really instrumental.” His comments highlighted the importance of their intervention in preventing further shortages across the region.
Oneida’s water supply was fortunate to remain robust due to early snowmelt and reduced consumption during winter months. Campany emphasized that ongoing conservation efforts are crucial for all affected municipalities. Residents of Sullivan and Lenox are urged to limit their water use due to the ongoing crisis.
- Oneida gets water from its reservoir fed by natural creeks, ponds, and groundwater.
- The city has a daily water limit of 4 million gallons, imposed to protect the local ecosystem.
Monitoring Water Quality
As Oneida’s water integrates into the OCWA system, officials are vigilant about maintaining water quality standards. Monitoring is in place to ensure that chlorine levels in the water remain adequate to prevent harmful contaminants.
Despite the serious implications of the water main break, Campany asserted that Oneida’s contribution is sufficient, provided residents adhere to the mandatory conservation efforts. The city, while not directly affected, has initiated voluntary water conservation measures. “It’s just the right thing to do,” he stated.
