If you live in the Town of Carthage, you’ll need to hold off on watering your lawn and other outdoor activities that use large amounts of water.

Town officials have declared a Water Shortage Alert and are asking all customers to conserve water as the community works to reduce water demand.

Beginning Monday, July 6, all Class 3 (non-essential) water uses will be prohibited under the town’s Water Shortage Conservation Ordinance.

That means residents should not use town water for:

• Watering lawns
• Watering gardens and landscaped areas
• Irrigating parks and recreational areas
• Filling or maintaining ornamental ponds and similar decorative water features

The town says these restrictions are necessary as part of its water conservation efforts and is asking everyone to do their part to help reduce water usage.

Essential water uses, such as drinking, cooking, bathing, sanitation, and other necessary household needs, are not affected by the alert.

Town officials encourage customers to conserve water wherever possible by limiting unnecessary water use until conditions improve.

Additional information about the water shortage alert and the town’s water conservation ordinance is available on the Town of Carthage’s website.