MT. VERNON, IL (WJPF) — A State of Emergency has been declared in Mt. Vernon as workers continue to search for a large water leak.

The estimated 3,500 gallon per minute leak was first discovered Tuesday morning.

Workers will systematically turn off and then back on major water lines Friday in an effort to find the leak.

Until it’s found, the city will use the water that has already been pumped into it’s water tower. There’s less than a day’s worth of water left.

Mt. Vernon residents are asked to conserve water.