Water main break creates health crisis in Watertown

September 2024 · 2 minute read

A massive water main rupture has triggered a health crisis in the upstate city of Watertown, which is running out of tap water, officials said Thursday.

Samaritan hospital announced it closed some departments and schools sent students home early, local media reported.

Gov. Kathy Hochul, who is on a solidarity trip in Israel, issued a statement confirming the dire situation and directed several state agencies to get bottled water to residents.

Workers at the scene of a water main rupture in Watertown, New York on October 19, 2023. Zachary Canaperi/Watertown Daily Times
The rupture caused a local hospital to close some departments and schools to send students home early. Zachary Canaperi/Watertown Daily Times
The city is currently running out of tap water, according to officials. Zachary Canaperi/Watertown Daily Times

“I have been fully briefed on the water main break that occurred this morning in Watertown. As the normal flow of potable water is expected to run out soon, we are in the process of deploying emergency water to Watertown residents,” Hochul said.

“I have directed the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services and Departments of Health and Environmental Conservation to work closely with local and federal officials. The State Emergency Operations Center has been activated and staff from DHSES, DEC and DOH are currently on the ground to ensure the safety of the Watertown community,” she said.

The water main that broke is near the city’s water treatment plant, and no water is currently being pumped into the system.

Gov. Kathy Hochul has directed several state agencies to supply bottled water to residents in Watertown. Zachary Canaperi/Watertown Daily Times
The water main break happened near the city’s water treatment plant. Zachary Canaperi/Watertown Daily Times
It could take days until things return to normal in the area, according to officials. Zachary Canaperi/Watertown Daily Times
No water is currently being pumped into the city’s system due to the break. Zachary Canaperi/Watertown Daily Times

Authorities said it could take days before things are back to normal.

The city also supplies water to the Fort Drum military base and some nearby towns.  

 “We are evaluating water distribution systems and moving valves from Fort Drum to assist in the water restoration efforts,” Hochul said.

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