City makes progress to restore water operations

SANDUSKY — Since late Monday night, local crews have tirelessly worked around the clock to address an emergency-like situation at Sandusky's Big Island Water Works plant on First Street. The incident's urgency peaked midday Tuesday when city officials issued a notice for all Sandusky water customers — including city residents along with those in Perkins Township and beyond — to conserve as much water as possible. During this roughly 18-hour time frame, from late Monday to mid-afternoon Tuesday, neither the primary nor secondary water intake sources could accept water due to significant ice buildup. Crews representing Sandusky's water, sewer and fire departments "have been working continuously to break through heavy ice and restore water flow at the intake pipes, serving the Big Island Water Works plant," according to a city statement. A breakthrough occurred early Tuesday night in stabilizing this system and returning to normal operations. Just after 7 p.m., the city posted this update: "Water has begun flowing again from the city's backup intake in the Sandusky Bay. While flow has not yet returned to full capacity, the water currently being drawn in is being used to help replenish the system. That process will take time, and so water conservation remains important." In other words, water-use restrictions remain in effect. This means people should only use water when absolutely necessary and keep it to a minimum. Officials stressed how, "There continues to be no issue with water quality. The water being supplied remains safe to drink." More work to remedy this situation should occur on Wednesday. "To further support intake operations, the city has secured temporary piping and pumping equipment, which arrived (Tuesday) evening," the statement read. "If needed, crews expect to install this equipment on Wednesday morning to help increase water flow from the bay." Sandusky officials, meanwhile, are collaborating with regional and state partners, asking for and receiving assistance to ensure there's a constant water source available to the public. "The city worked closely with Erie County to secure emergency, temporary approval from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency to activate the Sheldon's Marsh water intake, which flows through NASA Plum Brook," the statement read. As a note, this intake can be found in the Huron area. "This intake infrastructure is not currently permitted for regular, long-term use, but, due to the current conditions, it is being used on a temporary and emergency basis to help increase the amount of raw water reaching the Big Island Water Works plant," the statement read. "Water has now begun flowing from that intake, providing an additional source of supply as system operations continue to stabilize." While not ideal, the situation could be worse. For instance, the plant could have been shut down without locals having any access to water. Yet because of city employees and others — locally, regionally and across the state — came to Sandusky's rescue, ensuring residents still have access to water. Among those appreciative of these efforts include John Orzech, who specifically singled out water plant staff, firefighters, public works crews and other city employees putting in extra effort to restore and stabilize water operations. "I also want to thank the city of Huron and Erie County leadership and staff for their collaboration and partnership during this situation," Orzech said. "Finally, we are very grateful to the residents and businesses who are reducing water use when possible. That cooperation is making real difference." People can receive more updates at cityofsandusky.com/alert. Original story (12:27 p.m.) SANDUSKY — Heavy winds and bitter-cold temperatures beginning on Monday have caused complications at Sandusky's water plant on Tuesday, prompting local officials to take serious actions. Through city statements, here's what's known as of noon Tuesday at the plant known as Big Island Water Works on First Street: • The situation: "The city's water system primarily draws water from Lake Erie through an intake located off the Cedar Point Chaussee. The city also has a backup intake in Sandusky Bay. Heavy ice and current wind conditions are restricting the amount of water reaching the Big Island Water Works plant." • The response: For 12-plus hours running now, crews from the city's water, sewer and fire departments "have been working continuously to break through heavy ice and restore water flow at the intake pipes, serving the Big Island Water Works plant." • The water: "Due to the current critical conditions, the city is not taking in new raw water at this time, and all water use is being supplied from water already stored at the plant. There is no issue with water quality, and the water currently remains safe to drink." • The restrictions: "The city of Sandusky is asking residents in Sandusky and Erie County to temporarily reduce water use due to current conditions affecting water intake operations. Residents are asked to curtail non-essential water use until further notice. Crews are actively working on multiple solutions in an effort to restore water flow as soon as possible." • The scenarios: "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 the next steps and any additional actions residents may need to take."