Water Conservation Update – Dec. 16, 2024

The City of Lancaster Bureau of Water is asking customers to continue conserving water through Tuesday morning, December 17, to help the system recover after an issue at the Susquehanna Water Treatment Plant over the weekend.

On Sunday, a mandatory water conservation notice was issued to all customers, asking them to curb non-essential water usage. Early Saturday morning, December 14, debris including algae, moss, twigs and leaves, entered the water intake areas near the Susquehanna River. This occurred after the river rose nearly 8 feet in two days following heavy rainfall. The debris built up on pump intake screens, clogging them and reducing water flow into the Oyster Point Reservoir. This reservoir supplies two-thirds of Lancaster’s water and water pressure. On Sunday morning, December 15, the reservoir’s water level fell from 9.5 feet to 7.7 feet, and by the afternoon, it dropped further to 6.3 feet. Water pressure issues can arise below 5 feet, at which point higher-elevation areas may lose water service entirely.

Plant staff have cleared debris from the intake areas, and the plant has resumed operating at full capacity. The reservoir is back up to 8 feet and continues to steadily refill. Customers are asked to continue conserving water through Tuesday morning, December 17, to ensure the reservoir returns to full capacity. Even small changes, such as taking shorter showers and waiting to do laundry until later this week, will make a difference. Thank you for your cooperation.