KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The city of Atchison, Kansas, declared a water emergency Thursday night because of record-low river levels.
The low Missouri River level is due to upstream ice jams, with one as long as 60 miles, per the city.
The U.S. Corps of Engineers say the ice jams are staying in place but could allow increased water flow below the ice.
Warmer temperatures "will eventually alleviate the situation," but once the ice jams break, they could still get stuck.
The city has been using a lesser-capacity auxiliary pump to get water from the river because the river level has dropped below the primary intake, the release states.
Emergency conservation measures for businesses and industries hit by the water problems have told of a tiered protocol based on water usage.
There are no mandatory conservation rules for homes, schools and health care businesses.
Although, the city does urge residents and businesses not under mandatory conservation measures to conserve water whenever possible.
More emergency measures could be needed if there is a long period of low river flow, water main breaks and other problems.
