With 10 boil orders in the last 39 months, there are no doubts the village of Fredonia is notoriously known for its water. The situation, which has worsened in the last decade, has chased business out of the village, led to decreased enrollment at the State University of New York campus and frustrations for residents.

Over the last three years, there has been an effort by the current administration to have the North County Water District as a supplier to the village. That would come at a cost while eliminating the revenues that come from the current village system.

How to move forward? That’s a point of debate that has been the loudest from those who want to keep the current system. Save Our Reservoir representatives have made their points for months at the Village Board meetings. Few voices speak for a transition to the district — though voices are louder when the Fredonia system is compromised.

In our last weekly poll, support was fairly solid for residents to decide on what direction the village should go with water. The question: Do you think there should be a referendum vote on the future of the village of Fredonia’s water? Nearly 70% said “yes” while the other 30% chose “no.”

Interestingly, there were 499 votes during the week — that’s about 180 more than the number who signed the Save Our Reservoir group petition to maintain the current system.

Fredonia is facing some interesting times. A community vote, as the poll indicates, may be the best answer for how it moves forward.

This week’s poll question: Are you pleased the power plant site in Dunkirk has been sold by NRG?