OBSERVER Photo by M.J. Stafford Fredonia Mayor Michael Ferguson said Non Fred Fest has “gotten out of control” the last two years.

A boil water order for all village of Fredonia water customers, including those in the town of Pomfret, has been issued until further notice.

The cleaning of the tank at the water treatment plant resulted in water with elevated levels of turbidity entering the distribution system; this water could contain harmful microbes. Boiling the water kills bacteria and other microbes that may be present.

All Fredonia water customers must boil water used for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth and making coffee until further notice. Water must be brought to a rolling boil for one minute then cooled prior to use. Boiled or bottled water must be used to wash dishes by hand; dishes should be allowed to completely air dry after washing.

Home dishwashers that reach a temperature of 170⁰F and have a full dry cycle do not need boiled or bottled water. The water may be used for bathing as long as it is not consumed. The water is safe for laundry.

Contractors began cleaning out the clear well at the Webster Road holding tank, Fredonia Mayor Michael Ferguson said Tuesday evening.

There are three more days of cleaning set, Ferguson said. Workers start each day at 6:30 a.m. and end work at 4 p.m.

“We’re still asking people to conserve water, just in case,” the mayor said. “Conserving water’s better than boiling it.”