A declaration of a local disaster emergency has been declared in regard to recent destruction at Jasonville’s Water Department filtration plant, according to an executive order signed by Greene County Commissioners President Nathan Abrams. 

According to the executive order, the Jasonville Water Department filtration plant was destroyed by fire on Dec. 8 and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security has said the community could be without water for up to a week. Also, according to the executive order, the loss has resulted in possible water contamination requiring emergency action to avert danger and damage. 

The executive order will be in place for seven days, unless extended. Declaration of the executive order does the following: 

• Activates the response and recovery aspects of all applicable local or interjurisdictional disaster emergency plans

• Authorizes the furnishing or aid and assistance under the plans

The order was signed at 1:45 p.m. on Dec. 10.