STAR LAKE – Fine Town Supervisor Mark Hall has declared a state of emergency due to low water pressure and prohibited many uses of water.

In a statement issued Monday night, Hall said nonessential use of water is now prohibited with penalties up to $250 for the first offense and $500 for subsequent offenses.

Earlier Monday, a boil water advisory was issued in the village of Star Lake after a major water main break.

Only about 70 percent of village households have water, according to the St. Lawrence County Office of Emergency Services.

Prohibited are:

• The use of hoses, sprinklers or other means for watering

• The use of water for washing automobiles, trucks, trailers of other equipment

• The washing of streets, driveways, homes, or other outdoor surfaces

• The use of water to fill swimming pools, or wading pools

• The use of water from fire hydrants

The complete “Declaration of State of Emergency” follows:

WHEREAS, it is apparent that within the Town of Fine there exists imminent threat to life and property because the Star Lake Water System is experiencing low water pressure; and

WHEREAS, current available water supply is not enough to meet maximum system demand, and water use restrictions are required to protect the integrity of the Star Lake Water System;

NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to the provisions of section 24 of Article 2B of the New York State Executive Law, be it hereby

ORDERED that a STATE OF EMERGENCY now exists within the Star Lake Water District, due to low water pressure and lack of water supply in the Star Lake Water District, and, to preserve the public safety and render all required and available assistance vital to the security, well-being, and health of the citizens of the affected jurisdiction, all persons within Star Lake Water District are hereby:

PROHIBITED from using water from the Star Lake Water District for nonessential uses, which include the following:

• The use of hoses, sprinklers or other means for watering

• The use of water for washing automobiles, trucks, trailers of other equipment

• The washing of streets, driveways, homes, or other outdoor surfaces

• The use of water to fill swimming pools, or wading pools

• The use of water from fire hydrants

ORDERED, that anyone violating this Order is guilty of a Class B misdemeanor, and subject to a fine to be fixed by the Court not to exceed $250.00 for the first offense and $500.00 for any subsequent offenses; and it is further

ORDERED, that this order shall be effective at 1:00 pm on July 16, 2012, continuing until rescinded.

Mark Hall, Town Supervisor

July 16, 2012