Fort Bragg, N.C. — Fort Bragg officials declared a water shortage emergency Thursday after the post’s main supply line was damaged.

Officials did not say what caused the water main break but said repairs could take up to 30 hours to complete. Until then, the post’s only water supply will come from an emergency 12-inch connection on the eastern side of Fort Bragg.

Residents and others are being asked to take “extreme conservation measures” to reduce water use during the emergency. No one is allowed to wash vehicles, buildings, sidewalks or other structures without permission, use automated irrigation equipment or fill ponds, pools or fountains.

Restaurants were instructed to serve water only at the customer’s request, and everyone was urged to reduce water use by at least 40 percent.

“It is the primary responsibility of each user to meet its mandated water use reduction in whatever manner possible, including limitation of operating hours, or days if necessary,” post officials said in a statement.

Post spokesman Tom McCollum said repairs are under way by Fayetteville public works employees. He said the break occurred off the post.

Fayetteville's Public Works Commission spokeswoman Carolyn Justice-Hinson said a leak was discovered in the line Wednesday.