2 P.M. UPDATE:
The Seneca County Health Department has lifted the mandatory water conservation order that had been in place for several local water systems.
County officials announced Monday afternoon that the order is no longer necessary after a damaged water line was repaired and water tower levels returned to normal.
The conservation order had affected customers in the Seneca County Water District and purchaser systems, including Fayette Water Districts 5 and 8, Romulus Water District, and Varick Water Districts 1 and 3.
Residents in those areas are now able to resume normal water use.
For more information, residents can contact the Seneca County Water District at 315-515-1409 or the Seneca County Health Department at 315-539-1945.
A mandatory water conservation order remains in effect for customers served by the Seneca County Water District and several connected systems following a water line break on the Five Points Correctional Facility property over the weekend.
Officials say the break on Saturday significantly depleted the district’s water supply, prompting the Seneca County Health Department and the Seneca County Water District to keep the order in place until further notice. The order applies to all users served by the Seneca County Water District, Fayette Water Districts #5 and #8, the Romulus Water District, and Varick Water Districts #1 and #3.
A conservation order requires residents and businesses to limit water use as much as possible to help preserve the supply for essential needs, including drinking water and fire protection. Authorities warn that some customers could experience low pressure or a complete loss of water service during the emergency.
Officials say every effort is being made to maintain an adequate water supply and repair the issue as quickly as possible. In the meantime, customers are urged to take immediate steps to reduce consumption.
Recommended conservation measures include running dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads, avoiding running water while rinsing dishes or brushing teeth, taking shorter showers, and using bottled or refrigerated water instead of letting taps run to cool. Residents are also encouraged to check faucets, pipes, and toilets for leaks and repair them promptly, and consider using disposable or single-use dinnerware to cut down on dishwashing.
The conservation order will remain in effect until the water system stabilizes and officials determine normal usage can safely resume.
For further information, you can call the Seneca County Water District at 607-869-2049 or the Seneca County Health Department at 315-539-1945.
