ST. JOSEPH – Governor John Bel Edwards issued a public health emergency for the residents of the Town of St. Joseph due to lead and copper found in the drinking water.

On Thursday, the Office of Public Health received test results that indicated elevated levels of lead in two water samples, one taken from Town Hall and another at a home. Additionally there were two other sites with elevated levels of copper.

The Louisiana Department of Health recommends that residents use an alternative source of water for consumption, including making ice, brushing teeth or for food preparation.

The Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness has released one month's supply of bottled water to the town. Each resident will receive 3 liters of water a day.

Residents can receive the bottles of water on Dec. 16 after 6:30 p.m. at the Town Hall located on Main Street.

According to officials, Edwards has ordered testing of every household in the town within four weeks.

Click here to read Edwards' proclamation.