WATERTOWN, N.Y. (NCC News) — Watertown without water? You would probably think that could never happen. Well guess what…it did. Wednesday Oct. 18, a water main broke on the streets of Huntington and Eastern Boulevard between midnight and 1 a.m, leaving thousands without useable water.
Around 6:50 p.m., the city announced that the water main break was fixed, but Watertown Mayor Jeff Smith, said Thursday evening that it could be next week before the city restores potable water to residents.
However, with residents without consumable water. The community came together to find a solution to outlast this crisis.
Three water supply sites were set up around the city to provide consumable water to those still in need. Along with these sites, Watertown Police and Fire Department and Fort Drum soldiers came out to help provide water.
Sergeant Mohamed Amidou, a water treatment officer for the United States Army expressed that they will be out helping provide potable water 24/7 until this crisis is resolved.
“Our recommendation would be, that we are actually out here, we are going to stay out here as long as we are needed, to give support with the water,” said Sgt. Amidou.
Authorities recommend that individuals should bring city water to a vigorous boil for one minute and allow it to cool before using it for drinking, washing dishes, brushing teeth, or cooking. Alternatively, using bottled water is a safe alternative.