Contact Information
Sarah Laurie, Director, Environmental Health & Safety & Sustainability
Please Conserve Water
Date Posted:
The Chautauqua County Department of Health and the village of Fredonia have requested that all Fredonia Water customers, which includes SUNY Fredonia, conserve water. Due to severely dry conditions, everyone is asked to reduce their water usage to ease stress on the water supply.
The water supplied to the campus is still safe to use for eating and drinking at this time, but campus community members are asked to make a significant effort in reducing water use.
Below is the full notice from the village of Fredonia:
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.
All residents, businesses, and institutions must take the following immediate conservation measures:
- 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.
- Make every toilet flush count. Don’t use the toilet like a garbage can to flush away tissue, etc.
- Check for and fix leaks in faucets, toilets, and pipes.
If you have questions contact:
- Village Hall: 716-679-2307
- Chautauqua County Health Department: 716-753-4481
Official updates will be posted on the County website: https://chqgov.com/news
“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."
Additional water restrictions may be implemented if conditions do not improve.