NOWATA, Okla. (KTUL) -- A chemical fire in Neodesha, Kan. Tuesday has created a water crisis for communities downstream over concerns of contaminated supplies.

The City of Nowata was ordered Wednesday afternoon to shut down its water plant by early Thursday morning.

According to Nowata City Manager Charlie Spencer, the DEQ is trying to determine if any chemicals made it into the town's water supply, which comes from the Verdigris River near the Oklahoma-Kansas border.

Spencer says the city will shut down the plant just after midnight and the state will bring in tankers to supply the hospital and county jail with water.

The City of Nowata will have bottled water available if service can't be restored within the next 24 hours or so.

Despite the holiday, Spencer says City Hall will have people in the office Thursday because of the emergency.

Other communities, including Independence and Coffeyville, have also issued water orders. All non-essential use is prohibited.

Officials are still awaiting results of water testing to determine if fire runoff contaminated the supplies.