Syracuse officials address water usage issues and main break challenges

Syracuse's water management challenges took center stage at the Joint Public Works & Economic Development Committee meeting on March 19, 2025, as officials discussed ongoing issues with water main breaks and the city's water supply.

City officials reported that despite extensive efforts, including night crews from the Department of Public Works (DPW) and assistance from the Syracuse Fire Department, no significant leaks have been found. The discussions highlighted a "perfect storm" scenario, where increased water usage coincided with multiple breaks in the system, complicating the city's ability to maintain adequate water levels.

A key point of contention arose regarding the water usage by the New York State Department of Transportation (DOT). Currently, the DOT pays a flat fee of $1,900 for a permit allowing unlimited water use. Officials are considering a shift to a metered system to better account for the actual water consumed, as concerns were raised about the DOT leaving water running without oversight.

The meeting also touched on the functionality of water level sensors, with officials confirming that thresholds are set to alert them when pressure drops. However, there were questions about whether these thresholds might need adjustment to improve detection of potential issues.

In terms of water levels, officials reported that the Westcott North tank is currently at normal levels, while the Stewart standpipe is slightly above the low end of acceptable levels. The Woodland standpipe, however, remains below the standard, raising concerns about the impact of environmental factors, such as wind and storms, on water quality and intake operations.

The discussions underscored the complexities of managing the city's water supply amid ongoing infrastructure challenges, with officials emphasizing the need for careful monitoring and potential policy changes to ensure sustainable water management moving forward.