Boil and conserve water alert issued for Dunkirk after large leak discovered at water plant

The Chautauqua County Department of Health has issued a boil and conserve water alert for the City and Town of Dunkirk.

Commercial customers and schools have been asked to shut down operations until further notice to help conserve water.

The health department reports a large leak has been found at the Dunkirk water plant that could allow for treated water to become contaminated. The water levels are also "critically low." The leak was caused by construction being done at the plant.

The department offers these recommendations to residential and commercial users:

Until further notice all Dunkirk water customers must bring water to a rolling boil before drinking, using to prepare food, brushing teeth, or consuming in any way.  In addition all residential customers are being asked to conserve water.  Take fewer showers, run only full loads of laundry, use paper and plastic ware for eating to decrease dishwashing, No car washing or exterior use.  Commercial customers and schools are being asked to shut down to conserve water until further notice.