OKC Implements Voluntary Water Conservation Efforts

City officials are asking residents and businesses who use Oklahoma City water to practice voluntary water conservation efforts.

According to a news release from the city's public information office, some residents and businesses in Oklahoma City are feeling the effects of extremely high temperatures, heavy water use, and lower water pressure.

Lower water pressure can happen anywhere in the city, but especially for those who live at the far edges of the city, according to officials. As water is used along its way through the pipeline, the lower pressure will be for those at the far edges of the water system.

Officials say reducing the amount of water used on the yards and landscapes will greatly help residents maintain adequate pressure and conserve treated water supply.

Watering fewer days each week and for less time will allow the treatment plant to maintain a sufficient amount of treated water in storage tanks, officials said.

Residents, businesses, landscape maintenance companies and homeowner associations are encouraged to reduce outdoor water by:

• Watering yards and landscaping no more than three times a week

• Watering between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m., times of low water demand. Most of the water evaporates when watering during the day.

• Resetting sprinkler system frequencies to fewer days and less time.

• Mowing grass at a higher level – at least 2 to 3 inches – to reduce evaporation and root stress.

• Getting used to brown Bermuda grass. It's dormant and will come back once temperatures drop and rainfall increases.