Wednesday, September 26, 2007
798-5800
Picente
Declares Water Emergency
Oneida
County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr. today declared a water emergency in
“At
the rate the water level is dropping, based on the latest information I have
received from the Oneida County Health Department, Mohawk Valley Water
Authority and New York State Health Department, we could be in a crisis
situation within a week to 10 days,” Picente said. “Conservation now is
of the utmost importance. That is why I am declaring this local emergency
and calling for conservation under the Mohawk Valley Water Authority’s
existing emergency plan.”
Picente
said that he is also continuing to work with state officials to reduce the
amount of water flowing out of Hinckley for use by the New York State Canal
Corp. “The vast majority of water at
Picente
said that talks with state officials have been ongoing for several days and
will continue. “We have made clear to them the seriousness of this issue,
but there has not yet been a commitment to take the kind of action needed to
avoid this declaration of emergency,” Picente said. “In good conscience,
I could not allow the daily decline at the level of Hinckley to continue
without alerting the people of
Picente
said the emergency is in effect for the next five days. Daily monitoring of
water levels by Water Authority and Oneida County Health Department staff
will determine whether the emergency continues for additional five-day
periods. Picente added that continued unchecked declines could bring the
level of
“This
serious situation calls for the cooperation of everyone and we will continue
dialogue with all involved agencies to reach a solution,” Picente said.
“As we continue to work with the state for a resolution of the issue about
water flows, I urge everyone to practice water conservation and comply with
the use restriction.”
Picente
said the following water conservation measures are to be considered
mandatory during this water emergency period and shall remain in effect
until the state of emergency is lifted. Violations of these restrictions
will be investigated and documented by MVWA employees. Any such violations
may result in temporary suspension of water service after one warning.
- Homeowners,
landlords, and commercially property owners should immediately inspect
interior plumbing systems for leaking faucets, toilets, or other valves
and to verify proper operation and make repairs as necessary.
- Non-commercial
vehicle washing is prohibited.
- Commercial
vehicle washing operations may continue only if 50% of the water used is
re-circulated.
- Washing
of streets, sidewalks, driveways, or building exteriors is prohibited.
- Supplemental
flows for ornamental use, such as fountains, artificial waterfalls,
reflecting pools or ponds should be discontinued.
- Irrigation
use will be permitted as follows:
o
Lawns, shrubs, flower or vegetable gardens, or
golf course greens may be watered using a hose or sprinkler system only
between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 10:00 pm.
o
Individual plants may be watered at any time
using a hand-held container.
o
Commercial nurseries, farms, or others engaged
in the business of growing or selling plants, fruits, or vegetables may use
water for irrigation if daily use is reduced by 15% below normal usage.
Specific questions about water conservation measures should be directed to the MVWA Customer Service Department at 315-792-0301.