Syracuse residents left with no water or trickling pressure amid systemwide issue

Syracuse, N.Y. — Low water pressure was reported Sunday evening in the city of Syracuse’s water system as severe storms pummeled the region.

The dip in pressure is impacting high-elevation areas and high-rise buildings, according to a news release from the city water department.

Some residents in Strathmore and the University Neighborhood reported having no water at all.

Several issues are causing the pressure problems, officials said.

A “significant” water main break was reported in the 100 block of 7th North Street on the North Side.

Power outages shut down two water pumps on the East Side.

And, due to high winds, less water is entering the system from Skaneateles Lake.

City officials said they think pressure will increase overnight Sunday ahead of increased usage Monday morning at the start of the work week.

Strong storms have been known to cause issues with the city water system.

High winds can stir up sediment at the bottom of the Skaneateles Lake, leading to higher turbidity in the water. That can cause officials to close one of the city’s two intake pipes, which is at a shallower depth in the lake and can pick up that dirtier water.

A multimillion dollar construction project to extend that pipe to a lower depth in the lake is set to begin this year, according to the Skaneateles Lake Watershed Municipal Partnership. Extending the pipe would make it less susceptible to high winds and harmful algal blooms.

It was breezy throughout the day Sunday at the Skaneateles Aerodrome, according to the National Weather Service. Wind gusts reached 46 mph at 2:35 p.m.

The winds are expected to quiet down later Sunday evening, the water department said.

The city water system has faced an unusually high number of water main breaks and leaks this year. Officials blame extremely cold weather in February and March.

The increase in water main breaks and leaks has depleted water stored in the city’s reservoirs and tanks.

Officials told syracuse.com | The Post-Standard earlier this month that the city’s largest water storage facility, the 125-million gallon Woodland Reservoir on the West Side, was only 23% above acceptable levels. The water line there appeared to be about 20 feet below its typical level.

The Syracuse Common Council plans to hold a committee meeting this week to demand more information about problems in the water system, according to Councilor Pat Hogan, the president pro tempore.

Hogan said he is working with Councilor Amir Gethers, who chairs the council’s public works committee, to get answers about what they consider a “very serious” situation.

Water department customers can call 315-448-8360 with questions or concerns.

Staff writer Jon Moss covers breaking news, crime and public safety. He can be reached at jmoss@syracuse.com or @mossjon7.