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Residents of Whitehall no longer need to boil their water as the boil water order was lifted on Sunday (December 15). However, the state of emergency remains in effect due to ongoing water supply issues. The order was lifted after two days of testing showed the water is safe to drink. Despite this, individuals with compromised immune systems are advised to consult their doctors before consuming the water.
The village continues to face a water deficit, with the water being pumped from below the maximum height of the intake pipe. Residents are urged to conserve water as emergency restrictions are still in place. The crisis began on December 8 when a failure in the village's water system led to the temporary shutdown of the Pine Lake reservoir, affecting nearly 1,300 households and 3,300 people. The shutdown caused the closure of Whitehall Central School and forced students into remote learning.
Mayor Francis Putorti emphasized the importance of conservation measures, stating to the Times Union, "Residents are reminded that the water emergency is not over." The water shortage is attributed to a summer drought that lowered the Pine Lake reservoir by 22 feet. The state Department of Health estimated that without intervention, the reservoir could run dry in six months. Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.