Record Water Usage Does Not Force Mandatory Conservation

With all the water used to fight fires, it's no surprise central Arkansas is using record amounts of the wet stuff.

Central Arkansas Water officials said in May customers used 2.5 billion gallons and they anticipate June's estimated 2.9 billion to shatter that record.

However unlike communities like Hot Springs Village and others officials in central Arkansas are not telling people to conserve.

Officials with Central Arkansas Water said we've been really fortunate and have strong resources for our water.

However they do suggest you remain wise about how much you're using.

Keeping your grass green in these dry conditions, can often feel like an uphill struggle and is something Jim Hamilton knows all too well.

"This is probably the best year I've had and I want to keep it up," said Hamilton.

But his immaculate lawn hasn't come without a price, however he's free to water his lawn as much as his wallet will allow.

Lake Maumelle and Lake Winona, where we get our water, only two and five feet below their spillway.

"So at this point and time, we see no need for any restrictions," said Gary Hum with Central Arkansas Water.

Even though there's no water restrictions they do ask that you're careful that there's not a lot of run-off.

"Use water wisely," said Hum, "Don't waste it by sprinkling the street."

Especially because June's estimated 3 billion gallons used doesn't compare to the record 3.4 set in August of 2000.

If that's any indication, the worst month's are more than likely still to come.

"If we don't get some rain," said Hum, "We may get close."

News that has some with a green thumb thinking of throwing in the towel.

"If the heat keeps up the way it is," said Hamilton, "I'll just say to heck with it... It'll always grow back."

Just to put the levels in perspective, Central Arkansas Water said we have enough water in our reservoir to last more than two years.