Pictured is the Fredonia reservoir.

There are three communities that get their water from reservoirs – Fredonia, Ripley and Westfield. Customers in all three districts are being asked to conserve water, with Ripley at the highest concern.

Jessica Wuerstle with the county health department said because of the low water levels in Ripley, water is being trucked in and will be dumped in the reservoir and from there it will go through the Ripley water treatment plant. “Residents should expect some increased fire truck activity along Routes 20 and 76 during this period,” she said during a news conference.

Ripley Town Supervisor Lauree Pless said a bottled water distribution will take place on Friday from 9 a.m. to noon at the town highway department on Ross Street. One case of water will be given to each resident. Proof of residency is required.

Andrew Strine, who heads up the Ripley water and sewer department, said in Ripley they have about 1,800 customers.

Generally he said they need about 130,000 gallons of water a day. Since the emergency declaration has been issued, he’s seen usage drop to about 100,000 gallons of water a day.

Strine said he has worked for the town of Ripley for the last 10 years. “This is the lowest that I have seen. Historically, it’s been lower, but we didn’t have as many customers at that point in time,” he said.

He estimates the reservoir is about 7-10 feet below what it should be.

FREDONIA WATER

CONSERVATION

Wednesday morning, the village of Fredonia urged all residential and commercial water customers to immediately reduce water usage due to worsening drought conditions and low water levels in the Fredonia Reservoir.

The ongoing lack of rainfall has significantly impacted the reservoir, which is now in extreme danger of reaching a critically low point. If current trends continue, the village’s ability to produce and supply adequate drinking water will be severely compromised.

“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.”

Wuerstle said Fredonia’s situation is not as bad as Ripley’s is, so Fredonia’s conservation is advisory only, where Ripley is an emergency.

At this point, there have not been any conservation orders issued for Westfield.

Some suggestions on ways to conserve water include:

– Turn off the faucet while brushing teeth, shaving, or washing dishes.

– Only run dishwashers and washing machines with full loads.

– Take short showers; turn off water while lathering.

– Skip pre-rinsing dishes; most dishwashers can remove food particles and stains without pre-rinsing.

– Use disposable plates, cups, and utensils.

– Thaw frozen foods in the refrigerator or microwave — not under running water.

– Clean vegetables in a bowl of water, not under the tap.

– Do not wash vehicles.

– Do not hose down sidewalks, decks, or driveways — use a broom instead.

– Do not water lawns or landscaping.

– Do not fill pools, hot tubs, or other large containers.

Fredonia officials noted that additional water restrictions may be implemented if conditions do not improve. “The Village of Fredonia will continue to monitor reservoir levels and provide updates as needed. Community cooperation is essential to ensuring the continued availability of safe drinking water,” officials stated.