RIPLEY, N.Y. (WKBW) — A State of Emergency has been declared for the Town of Ripley as its water reservoir dropped to critically low levels, prompting officials to implement emergency conservation measures.

Town Supervisor Lauree Pless said the situation has escalated, but urged residents not to panic.

"The consequence could be that we could run out of water," Pless said. "The situation has escalated a little bit. It isn't anything to be really overly worried about."

The reservoir typically maintains water levels 7 to 10 feet higher than current conditions, and is now operating at approximately 40% to 50% capacity, according to Andrew Strine, who heads the town's water and sewer department.

"This is the lowest that I've seen, and I've been here for 10 years," Strine said.

Belson Creek

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