As of Sunday afternoon, a boil water order for all village of Fredonia water customers and properties outside the village boundaries supplied by their water system remained in effect. Testing was taking place Saturday and Sunday with more information due either Monday or Tuesday.

Additionally, the village, in coordination with the Chautauqua County Health Department, issued a Mandatory Water Conservation Order for all water customers due to a water main break that caused substantial loss in the system.

That break, at Temple Streets and Central Avenue, was under control as of late Friday evening. On Sunday, the Fredonia Office of Emergency Management noted small leaks within the water distribution system at Temple Street and Central Avenue and Lambert Street at Day Street area.

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.

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 170 degrees 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.

All water customers — both residential and commercial — were also to take steps to reduce water usage. The restrictions remain in place until further notice.