SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The OCWA issued a mandatory water conservation alert for municipalities affected by a significant water main break.

The water main break occurred on Dec. 20 and is continuing to impact Manlius (including Minoa and Fayetteville), Pompey, DeWitt, Sullivan (including Chittenango), Lenox (including Canastota) and Lincoln. Previously, OWCA only urged water conservation before making it mandatory.

The OWCA said that crews are working to complete the “complex” repair. Officials said those repairs could last into January.

Additionally, OCWA said it is continuing to monitor water levels in its storage facilities. It offered some advice on how you can conserve water if you live in the affected area. That advice is listed below:

Using laundry facilities in unaffected parts of the OCWA system (western and northern Onondaga County).Adjust all water-using appliances to use the minimum amount of water.Running the dishwasher and washing machine at full load. If you wash dishes by hand, use a bucket or container with soapy water and only use the faucet for quick rinsing of scrubbed dishes.Taking 5-minute showers and shallower baths. Turn off the shower while soaping; turn off the faucet while brushing teeth, etc.Reducing the number of toilet flushes per day. Each flush uses about 5 to 7 gallons.Using sink and tub stoppers to avoid wasting water.Keeping a bottle of chilled drinking water in the refrigerator instead of running the water till it gets cold.Eliminating use of water for ornamental purposes, including but not limited to fountains, artificial waterfalls and reflecting pools.Reusing water when possible.Commercial Customers: Limiting non-essential work practices that involve water usage and utilizing additional water conservation measures such as having employees work from home.Car Washes: Pausing all wash services until mandatory conservation is lifted and full water service is restored.Comment with Bubbles

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The OWCA said that affected water users may have reduced water flow and pressure as repairs are underway.