A water emergency is being declared in Copan.

The declaration was issued yesterday due to a water shortage as a result of the drought. Town officials say the water supply at Copan Lake has reached a critically low level, which threatens the ability to take in water for treatment and distribution. As of yesterday afternoon, Copan Lake is 6.5 feet below normal.

The emergency proclamation impacts water customers in the Town of Copan, Washington County Rural Water District #7 and Hulah Water District #20. Effective immediately, burning permits are suspended, the filling of swimming pools is prohibited, outdoor watering of all yards, gardens, trees and all sports fields are prohibited, bulk water sales are suspended, all water usage over 5,000 gallons will be charged at a rate of $6.25 per thousand gallons and fire hydrant usage is prohibited without permission from the Town of Copan. Impacted customers are being asked to take the water conservation efforts seriously. Town officials say they're working closely with county and state officials for solutions and assistance.