OKC monitoring water supply, encourage smarter usage | Environment

With the drought and extreme temperatures expected to get even worse, officials in Oklahoma City are monitoring the city's water supply.

At Lake Hefner, experts say the water level is dropping about one inch per day due to evaporation and water demand.

The long-term weather forecast shows normal rainfall returns to the state in September.

In the meantime, city officials are asking residents to reduce the amount of water used on yards and landscaping.

Experts ask that you water no more than three times a week and consider drip irrigation for a thorough watering closer to the roots.

Concentrate watering efforts on sensitive plants and reset sprinkler system frequencies to less time, less often and during the early morning hours.

Watering flower beds and landscaping close to the house will also help water the foundation.

For those residents with Bermuda grass, experts say when it turns brown it is not dead, just dormant and will come back.