MAYVILLE, N.Y. — The Ripley Water District, in coordination with the Chautauqua County Health Department, has issued a Mandatory Water Conservation Order for all customers in the Ripley Water District due to critically low water levels in the Ripley Reservoir.
Submitted photos of creek bed leading into reservoir. Left: taken 10/6/25 by Ripley Water Operator Andrew Strine; Right: Taken May 30, 2024 by Casey Miller of Chautauqua County Health Department.
“This order reflects a serious situation,” said Town of Ripley Supervisor, Laura Pless. “The stream that supplies the Reservoir is currently dry, and water levels are dropping faster than they can be replenished. We must act now to ensure there is enough water for essential needs such as drinking, sanitation, and fire protection.”
Effective immediately, all Ripley Water District customers — both residential and commercial — must take steps to reduce water usage. These restrictions will remain in place until further notice.
Ways You Can Conserve Water:
- 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.
- Check for and fix leaks in faucets, toilets, and pipes.
- The fire department cannot use District water to fill private wells.
Conditions Remain Critical
Recent rainfall was not sufficient to restore reservoir levels. With no significant rain in the forecast and Chautauqua County currently under a drought warning, continued conservation is essential.
Stay updated on drought conditions across New York State here:
https://dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/water/water-quantity/drought/current-drought-conditions
Stay Informed with NY Alert
All residents and business owners are strongly encouraged to enroll in the NY Alert system to receive timely updates on this water emergency, as well as other public health and safety notifications.
Sign up here: https://alert.ny.gov/sign-ny-alert-0
Tip: Use an email address or phone number you check frequently.
Questions contact:
- Ripley Water District: 716-413-8010
- Chautauqua County Health Department: 716-753-4481
- Official updates will be posted on the County website:
https://chqgov.com/news
Thank you for doing your part to protect our community water supply.
About Chautauqua County Health Department - The Chautauqua County Health Department is the leading Public Health organization in Chautauqua County dedicated to the support of the community’s health. The Health Department takes innovative approaches to provide technical assistance to partner organizations, and offers various programs and services in order to help prevent disease, protect the public’s health and promote our community’s overall health and wellness. For more information visit www.HealthyCHQ.com.
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