The severe heat and dry weather conditions have many area cities dealing with water emergencies.

 Governor Laura Kelly has also issued a new executive order declaring a drought emergency for 55 counties in the state including Chautauqua, Labette, Montgomery, and Neosho counties. At last night's city commission meeting in Independence, City Engineer John Garris discussed the new declaration with the commissioner. Garris says the new order does not change the current water watch in effect for Independence. Garris says local water use has risen slightly during the water watch, but that the rise is due to the dry condition. Residents do not need to report others for their water usage.