DeWitt, N.Y. — A DeWitt waste hauler is embracing its “trashy side” during a push to conserve water so the local water system doesn’t run dry.
Syracuse Haulers is keeping its fleet of trucks “as dirty as operationally possible” until water restrictions are lifted, the company said in a social media post Tuesday.
“Our home is right here in East Syracuse, and like our neighbors, we’re making changes to help preserve water during this disruption,” the company said.
A rupture to a major water transmission line operated by the Onondaga County Water Authority has caused a water shortage in six towns in eastern Onondaga County and western Madison County. Officials have issued a mandatory conservation notice, telling residents and businesses to limit their non-essential water usage.
Water consumption appears to be trending down, officials said. But more cutbacks are needed or certain areas could be out of water as soon as this weekend.
Other businesses are also cutting back on their water usage.
Byrne Dairy, in DeWitt, is bringing in tankers of water.
Lotte Biologics, a pharmaceutical company in East Syracuse, said it’s changed its process to use less water.
A medical facility in DeWitt, which officials declined to name, has rented portable toilets for staff to use so patients can continue to use indoor toilets.
Car washes, including Delta Sonic, have voluntarily ceased operations.
Repairing the broken water pipe is a complicated process that could take until early January, officials said.
