SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News)— Summertime is known for the heat, swimming and relaxing. But, one important item is stopping Syracuse residents from swimming. It’s chlorine.
A shortage of chlorine caused the city of Syracuse public pools to shut down last Thursday. Now, as the city is currently under a heat advisory, some residents are unable to swim and cool off.
Julie LaFave is commissioner of Parks and Recreation. She says Syracuse residents are experiencing a shortage of chlorine because of the national shortage.
“It’s been a battle the entire summer long getting chlorine delivered on time if it did come. Their inventory is depleted because everyone trying to get it,” said LaFave.
A combination of factors led to the scarcity of chlorine, causing the shortage. The lack of use of chlorine during COVID-19 and homeowners purchasing the chemical at a higher price pre-pandemic.
Chlorine is used to prevent algae and help protect swimmers from waterborne illnesses.
Since Thursday only five pools have reopened. Two pools, McKinley and Wilson are still closed due to the continued delays.
However, LaFave made it clear that Parks and Recreations had no intention of closing pools in certain communities.
“We’re very sympathetic to those communities who feel like they were chosen to not have a pool,” said LaFave. “I advise for those who don’t have an open pool, spray parks are available.”
For now, Syracuse Parks and Recreations are expecting a full recovery later this week.
More information regarding openings, closures and reservations, you can visit here.
