As the current heat and dry conditions continue, the Madison Water Utility is urging customers to be proactive in helping to manage our water resources. Although the Water Utility is meeting current demand, they continue to stress the messages issued last week that residents should be smart about how they use water in their homes and yards, using common sense and best practices to avoid water waste.

The utility is always alert to increased pumping requirements during periods of excessively high temperatures and dry conditions. Until the dry spell eases, utility crews will temporarily stop routine flushing of water mains, a maintenance practice that forces water through the pipes at high velocity to remove accumulated mineral sediment.

Important ways to conserve water:

Unless you have a newly sodded or seeded lawn, stop watering it. Established, healthy lawns can survive several weeks of dormancy during summer with little or no water. If your garden needs water, limit loss to evaporation by watering early in the morning or later in the evening. Make sure you are not watering your driveway or the street.

Inside the home, operate automatic dishwashers and clothes washers only when they are fully loaded, or set the water level for the size of load you are using.

Repair leaks in fixtures such as toilets and faucets and avoid letting the water run unnecessarily for other household uses in the kitchen and bathroom.