Wednesday was a trip back in time for Fredonia water customers. What was usually a once-a-year occurrence happened for the first time in about a decade: a conservation order was issued for users.

“This is a serious situation,” said Josh Myers, Emergency Manager for the village of Fredonia. “Our reservoir levels are dropping faster than we’ve seen in recent years, and without immediate action from the entire community, we risk not being able to meet the village’s water demands.”

In this case, the order is due to a drought that has impacted most of upstate New York. Besides reservoirs in Ripley — currently under a state of emergency — and Westfield that has not been greatly impacted yet, those relying on well water have also been part of the pain.

During the years of Red Wing and Carriage House, reservoir levels were a regular concern. Besides the maddening boil orders, these calls for conservation hampered food production efforts at the village plant before the manufacturer left in 2015.

For now, customers are reminded to: fix leaks promptly — even small drips add up; limit lawn watering and car washing; turn off the tap while brushing teeth or shaving; run dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads; use a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways and sidewalks.

Water remains a contentious issue in the village due to decisions about its future. Here’s one more item to add to those concerns.