OBSERVER?file photo The water filtration plant in Fredonia could someday be a part of a Northern Chautauqua County Water District.

Two villages are currently looking to drink in some big bucks. Both Brocton and Cassadaga have designs on new water systems — ones that are long overdue for both entities. But instead of considering the future, village leaders and residents seem willing to allow their leaders to continue the status quo. For nearly 1,370 people, both villages are looking at $10 million for water improvements. We will ask the question again: why not a regional water district? We’ve seen the disastrous affects of water emergencies. One needs to look no further than the village of Forestville when residents went without running water for weeks during a cold spell in February 2007. Do these other villages believe they can go at it alone if there is an emergency in the future? Even larger municipalities, such as the city of Dunkirk need to make water improvements. Why not do all the improvements at once — tying all the systems together? We are a stubborn bunch around here.