In March, this corner advocated for the State University of New York at Fredonia to consider an option that is already on the table for a new Brooks-TLC Hospital System if it is built in village: have an alternative water source. During a College Council meeting earlier this month, a letter to the village was approved to begin the process.

“The university and our students have struggled together with the village” as its water system deals with problems, the letter states. In addition, due to “all-too-frequent water emergencies” the time has come for the village and the university to work with the city of Dunkirk on providing a backup source.

This is long overdue.

While village officials and residents have been overly patient regarding the years of recklessness with the unreliable system, those of the younger generation who arrive to campus to boil-water orders are not as forgiving. This can and does take a toll on enrollment.

Though COVID-19 is a portion of the problem, SUNY Fredonia has real reasons for worry in the downturn in student population. In August 2020 — after five months of the pandemic — 4,075 were on campus. One month later, a 20-day water emergency engulfed the village that also greatly impacted the university and its operations.

Today, the figure has plummeted to 3,236 — a 20.5% reduction. Water may not be the biggest reason for the decline, but if you talk to the students on campus it is definitely a priority.

Decades of water problems have taken a large toll in the village. The system is no longer a revenue producer, it is a drain on village resources as it runs an annual deficit.

With SUNY being the largest customer, it will be interesting to see how the Village Board reacts to the request. Knowing its stubborn and delusional tendencies, there is likely to be some push back.

SUNY officials need to ignore it. The university needs to do what is best for its future — and those they serve.

Unreliable water is an embarrassment. It also is harming future development for those who are connected to it.