By Dan Adkins

Throughout central Kentucky, all water users -- residential, commercial and students -- are urged to conserve water because of the drought's effects on rivers and reservoirs.

In an official statement, officials noted declining water flows in the Kentucky River and weather forecasts have prompted Kentucky-American Water Co. to issue as of August 12, 1999 a "Phase IV Water Shortage Full Alert" for the Lexington, Fayette County area. The full alert restricts all nonessential outdoor water use (including lawn watering, driveway washing, vehicle washing, filling of private pools, and the use of ornamental fountains).

Customers, including UK students, are asked to reduce essential water use and voluntarily eliminate nonessential water use.

Access the following web addresses for more information:

- http://www.lfucg.com

- http://www.kawc.com/news/advisory.htm

The University of Kentucky is taking several measures to help conserve water. For example, the university continues to install water conserving shower heads in the residence halls; water leaks in residence halls and food service facilities are being repaired immediately; recycled water is being used on campus from cooling towers and air conditioning units; and, information is being distributed to the UK community on the importance of conserving water, especially during this shortage.

- Take shorter showers.

- Avoid leaving the water running while shaving or brushing your teeth.

- Fill the sink or a container for food preparation. Avoid letting the water run continuously.

- Reuse water from food preparation to water house plants or outdoor plants near the house.

- Cook vegetables with a minimal amount of water and save cooking water for soup stock.

- When washing dishes by hand, use a dish pan or plug the sink.

- Use dishwasher for full loads only.

- Wash only full loads.

- Use low-sudsing detergents. They require less water for rinsing.

For more information on water
conservation: http://www.kentuckyconnect.com/kyprojects/drought