Chalk up more troubles for the Fredonia water system.

Before 8 a.m. Tuesday, the Chautauqua County Health Department issued a boil water order for all Fredonia water customers and properties outside the village boundaries supplied by their water system. The New York state Department of Health requires that anytime water is not adequately treated a boil water order must be issued to notify customers.

A disruption in treatment at the water treatment plant led to water that was not adequately treated entering the distribution system. This water could contain harmful microbes. Boiling the water kills bacteria and other microbes that may be present.

This is the eighth boil order for users in the last 35 months with the two most recent being in September and July.

Fredonia Fire Chief Josh Myers reported Tuesday morning in an email that the village Office of Emergency Management advises residents that a limited supply of bottled water is available. Through coordination with the Fredonia Fire Department and the Fredonia Department of Public Works, bottled water has been secured to assist residents most impacted by the boil water order; due to limited quantities, this supply is reserved for our vulnerable populations and emergency needs.

Fredonia water customers in need of bottled water should contact the Fredonia Fire Department at 716-672-2125, Option 1, to request assistance.

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 can be used in place of boiled water. The water may be used for bathing as long as it is not consumed. The water is safe for laundry.

Once the treatment process has been fully restored to normal operations, the village will collect water samples on consecutive days to make sure the water is safe. Notifications and press releases will be used to inform the public when the boil water order is lifted.

For more information on boiling water and emergency disinfection visit the New York State Department of Health website at https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/water/drinking/boilwater/.

For more information, residents should call the village of Fredonia at (716) 679-2307 or the county Health Department directly at (716) 753-4481.