Fredonia’s boil-water order could end late Saturday or early Sunday, Mayor Michael Ferguson reported Friday.

“The chlorine pump was replaced (Thursday) night,” the mayor said. “We must now test clean twice a day for the next two days (Friday and Saturday. We could be lifting the ban late Saturday or early Sunday. This is why we need a new water system. These orders not only hurt residents but businesses and visitors as well.”

Thursday’s boil-water order was the third such event in the last year — and seventh since 2009.

According to the county Health Department release announcing the order, “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 170F and have a full dry cycle do not need boiled or bottled water. “The water may be used for bathing as long as it is not consumed. The water is safe for laundry.”

Downtown businesses and restaurants are all-too familiar with these types of issues in recent years. EBC West on Main Street in Fredonia, on its Facebook page Thursday, said: “We will be purchasing water, ice and soda and will be open. Please be patient with us, as this will inevitably slow us down a little and quantities may be limited.”

On Friday, Chautauqua County officials shed additional light on the circumstances.

In a news release, the county said all water operators are required to report any emergency that affects their treatment processes to the county Health Department per the New York Compilation of Codes, Rules and Regulations. This ensures that efficient communication and technical assistance is provided in real-time when issues occur.

“The domestic pump in the facility failed. This pump circulates water through a water heater into the bottom of our chlorinators by way of a spraying unit which then dissolves chlorine pellets to make the disinfectant,” Luis Fred, Fredonia’s water operator said. “We noticed the problem overnight during hourly rounds and immediately started troubleshooting. Unfortunately, isolated incidents like this one happen, and is no fault of any individual. The Water Treatment Plant here in the Village of Fredonia has always put the interest of the community first by producing the best quality of water we can and will continue to do so.”

The Health Department continues to provide technical assistance to the village to remedy the water system’s old infrastructure and within the past several months have made some significant headway.

“They are fighting an uphill battle with the antiquated infrastructure they have in place, currently,” said Lacey Wilson, public health director. “Failures of this kind should come as no surprise, though, as our Water Specialists at the Health Department have cited these potential issues in an attempt to prevent further problems.”

In December, the village approved a plan to decommission its water plant, draw down the reservoir and acquire water from Dunkirk. The village is working with its engineering firm to develop plans to implement this new arrangement.

“Unfortunately, predictions from our diligent public health staff have become a reality, leading to the breakdown of Fredonia’s water pump and necessitating a boil water order. As frustrations simmer amidst this persistent challenge, it’s important to note that the Village of Fredonia has a comprehensive plan in place to rectify the water issues,” said Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel. “The ongoing collaboration between the Chautauqua County Health Department and the village remains a crucial endeavor, grounded in the principles of science and public health. I wholeheartedly support our dedicated public health professionals and the Village of Fredonia for their tireless efforts in collaboration and strategic planning.”

For more information on boiling water and emergency disinfection visit the New York State Department of Health website at www.health.ny.gov/environmental/water/drinking/boilwater/. Press releases will be posted on the Chautauqua County website at chqgov.com/news. For more information, residents should call the Village of Fredonia at (716) 679-2307 and CCHD permitted facilities can call the Health Department directly at (716) 753-4481.