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The village of Fredonia, in coordination with the Chautauqua County Health Department, has lifted the conserve water order for all Village of Fredonia water customers, including customers in the Town of Pomfret.
The conserve water order was issued on Friday, Oct. 23 to reduce demand on Fredonia’s water treatment plant. However, water usage did not decrease significantly following the order, and the plant continues to experience challenges due to high levels of organic material in the Fredonia Reservoir and the old media in the filter beds.
The water treatment plant has consistently produced water that meets New York State Department of Health drinking water safety standards in recent days. To maintain safe drinking water, the plant must maintain a steady filter backwashing schedule, which requires a significant volume of the treated water that is produced at the water treatment plant.
Because water conservation efforts did not result in a significant reduction in customer demand, additional steps were taken to help relieve pressure on the treatment plant. On November 6, Town of Pomfret water customers located south and east of the Routes 60 and 20 intersection were transitioned from the Fredonia water system to the North Chautauqua County Water District. This transition had already been planned for 2027 and the Town of Pomfret did provide Fredonia with appropriate notice prior to the recent conserve and boil water orders. By making this switch now, rather than later, the municipalities aim to reduce stress on Fredonia's water treatment plant.
These measures will help the Village of Fredonia continue providing safe drinking water while addressing ongoing challenges at its water treatment plant.