Syracuse team repairs Woodland Reservoir following fire damage to key water pumps

Concerns over aging infrastructure and emergency response dominated the Joint Public Works & Economic Development Committee meeting in Syracuse on March 19, 2025. The discussion highlighted the critical state of the Woodland Reservoir, which has been in operation for over 130 years and recently suffered a significant setback when one of its high flow pumps burned out.

Committee members revealed that the Woodland Reservoir, an open-air facility capable of holding 21 million gallons of water, is crucial for supplying water to key areas, including Syracuse University and local hospitals. The pump failure coincided with a recent fire incident that affected two homes, raising alarms about the reservoir's ability to meet emergency demands. "Water usage per fire is 3,000 gallons every 10 minutes," one member noted, emphasizing the strain on resources during emergencies.

In response to the pump failure, the committee discussed the need for a night crew to ensure continuous operations and maintenance. They also explored the potential impact of the fire on the reservoir's water levels, which were already at a low point during the incident.

Additionally, the committee addressed concerns regarding sewage management, with discussions on whether there had been any uptick in flow that could affect treatment processes. The Syracuse Sewer Department has been proactive, collaborating with the team to investigate any potential leaks or issues.

As the meeting concluded, the urgency of addressing the aging infrastructure and ensuring reliable emergency response capabilities was clear. The committee's next steps will involve further assessments and potential upgrades to the reservoir and sewage systems to safeguard the community's water supply and public safety.