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Residents of Whitehall remain under a state of emergency due to ongoing issues with the village's water supply. Officials have reported some progress in stabilizing the water system, which sources from Pine Lake, but the water is still not safe to drink. A boil water advisory remains in effect, and conservation measures are necessary.
Residents are advised to limit water usage, including taking short showers and avoiding filling bathtubs. Continuous running water to prevent pipes from freezing is not allowed. According to CBS6 Albany, bottled and non-potable water is available at the Whitehall Volunteer Fire Company until 8:00 PM.
The village has been without drinkable water since Sunday night (December 8), and the issue is compounded by a summer drought that reduced Pine Lake's water levels by 22 feet. NEWS10 ABC reports that the New York State Office of Emergency Management is on-site, coordinating efforts to resolve the situation.
Village Mayor Francis Putorti stated that the pump system is now delivering water at a reduced rate of 230 gallons per minute, down from the usual 500 gallons. The community is urged to conserve water while crews continue to monitor the system and evaluate further repairs. The Times Union notes that the situation is being closely monitored, and residents can pick up potable water at the fire department or contact the village office for delivery.