Officials declared a state of emergency on Monday in response to a chemical spill in the Serra Dona Francisca region of Santa Catarina, Brazil.

The Joinville City Council said the decree would help to mobilise resources and expedite the response to the critical situation.

It came after the Joinville Water Company issued a public alert urging residents to immediately conserve water.

At 10 am local time on January 29, water intake at the Cubatao Treatment Plant was halted to prevent contamination from chemical residues.

Joinville Water Company technicians are ensuring the absence of chemical traces in the water supply. The company warned of rapidly decreasing reservoir levels, hovering at around 50 per cent at 10:30 am, sufficient for approximately four hours of consumption.

Municipal authorities, Joinville Water Company representatives, and security forces are meeting at the Crisis Center to monitor the situation.

Mayor Adriano Silva conducted an aerial survey with the Military Police's Águia helicopter, observing the swift spread of the chemical in regional waters.

He said during a press conference at the Crisis Center: 'We are acting swiftly, taking all precautions to ensure everyone's safety. However, public cooperation is crucial with water conservation and prevention of waste.'