ERIE COUNTY, Ohio (WOIO) – Sandusky City officials are asking residents in Erie County to “please reduce non-essential water use.”
According to city officials, the heavy ice and wind conditions hampered the water flow to the Big Island Water Works plant Tuesday.
The city provided an update Tuesday evening, reporting crews are making progress stabilizing water system operations.
“To further support intake operations, the City has secured temporary piping and pumping equipment, which arrived this evening,” according to the city’s website. “If needed, crews expect to install this equipment Wednesday morning to help increase water flow from the bay.”
As of Tuesday night, water has started flowing again from the city’s backup intake in the Sandusky Bay.
It has not returned to full capacity yet, but the water being drawn in is being used to restock the system, according to the city.
Earlier in the day, City of Sandusky Water, Sewer and Fire Department crews had been working continuously to break through the heavy ice and restore water flow at the intake pipes, but the city was not taking in new raw water.
That meant all water use was being supplied from water already stored in the plant.
“While crews are hopeful that conditions will improve, it is possible that the plant’s stored water supply could be exhausted before intake flow is restored. If that occurs, the City will immediately communicate next steps and any additional actions residents may need to take,” posted Sandusky City officials on Facebook.
City officials added the water is safe to drink.
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