The village of Fredonia's reservoir is down about 45 inches after a period of infrequent rain across the region.
The National Weather service reports the region received a total of 2.68 inches in June, down slightly from last year, and average temperatures are up 2.4 percent.
Rob Lancaster, Village of Fredonia water filtration plant chief operator, said Wednesday the village is not under water restrictions, "but it is conceivable we will reach that point in the near future."
Voluntary restrictions would be the first phase of any restrictions, but if the reservoir comes under "watch" conditions, Lancaster said mandatory restrictions would be implemented. "Our usage is definitely up everyone's is," Lancaster said. "The reservoir is down 45 inches from the top of the spill line."
The reservoir is being monitored daily due to the unusually dry period in the area, according to Lancaster.
Lancaster said after a water main break Monday on Water Street. and another on Lambert Avenue July 12, the village is purchasing water from the city of Dunkirk "on a temporary basis" to refill the village tanks. The city and the village have had a mutual water purchasing arrangement for several years.
Village Trustee Joe Cerrie said the levels aren't unusual for this time of year.
"Looking at it, compared to last year, I think July, we were 55 inches down," Cerrie said. " We were significantly lower last year at this time than we are now."
Cerrie also said restrictions may be put in place, but not at this time.
"Usually anything over 50 inches is when we would call for restrictions," he said.
Cooler evenings may reduce the water being lost to evaporation. "Now that were starting to get a bit cooler in the evening, that will help with the reservoir. At this time we're in good shape. We're at safe levels with the reservoir," Cerrie said.
Comments on this story may be sent to spulawski@observertoday.com
