Subsequent to the Village of Fredonia water treatment plant failure that resulted in the on-going boil water order, the Village of Fredonia water treatment plant has been undergoing around the clock repairs. Engineers from the New York State Department of Health have been providing technical assistance to Fredonia water operators. Additional resources are being provided by neighboring communities, including the Village of Brocton.
Officials are optimistic that the system will be operating properly by the end of the day today. After Department of Health standards for turbidity (water cloudiness) have been met, the Village's main water tank at the plant and hydrants will need to be flushed to distribute fresh, clean water throughout the system. Water samples will then be collected and analyzed.
Health officials stress that all Village water customers use boiled or bottled water for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further notice. Boiling kills any bacteria and other organisms in the water. Residents should bring water to a boil, let it boil for one minute, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water certified for sale by the New York State Department of Health. The boil water order will be lifted by the Health Department once water quality has been deemed safe for two consecutive days.
Recommended water conservation measures remain in effect until the Village water plant has returned to normal operations of which constituents will be notified as soon as possible. Customers of the Village water supply are strongly urged to conserve water, preferably cutting water usage in half, using only what is absolutely necessary. The following must be done in order to conserve water:
limit the number and length of showers
repair or shut off all running toilets
avoid doing laundry, use laundromats in neighboring communities if at all possible
use paper plates, cups and plastic silverware to avoid the need to wash dishes
turn off all running faucets that are being kept on to prevent pipes from freezing ,use heat tape instead
major commercial use of the water must be avoided.
The Village and County Health Department appreciate the cooperation of water customers and understand that this is a major inconvenience to everyone in the affected area. Our primary goal is to ensure the safety of the water for Fredonia residents.
For more information and to get the most current information please check out the Health Department Website at www.myhealthycounty.com or the County Website at www.co.chautauqua.ny.us.
