PORTLAND — Town Supervisor Rich Lewis stated a leak was identified and isolated in the town’s infrastructure. The leak led to low water pressure and left some customers without water.

As of Tuesday morning, a boil water order remained in effect for consumers on Ellicott Road, Webster Road, and Dahlberg Road. Lewis, who also serves as the Waste Water Treatment Supervisor for the village of Brocton, stated that the leak will be repaired Tuesday and all customers should have water by the end of the day.

On Monday afternoon, water customers in the village of Brocton and town of Portland were put on a mandatory water conservation order. The announcement came through a NY Alert. According to social media posts, low pressure was reported on Webster Road as well as Route 20.

At least 18 hours after the NY Alert, Chautauqua County’s public information official finally announced the information regarding the troubling situation. In a news release, the county noted that 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 170 degrees 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.

The Chautauqua County Health Department is requiring all Village of Brocton and Town of Portland customers to please limit their water usage to reduce the draw on the storage tank until further notice and reduce water usage by 50%.

In previous conservation orders, the Health Department recommends using tap water only as it is essential to your daily needs. Do not water lawns, shrubs, plants, etc. Do not wash cars, trucks, trailers, decks, houses, sidewalks, driveways, etc. Use paper plates and utensils to avoid dishwashing. Limit showers and baths. Run washing machines only if necessary and only if there is a full load.

Water is supplied to Portland and Brocton by the North County Water District in Dunkirk.

Editor John D’Agostino contributed to this article.