Hot dry weather is placing a burden on the Cochrane water reservoir level and residents are being asked to reduce their outdoor water usage in an attempt to avoid the issuing of a level 2 water restriction.

"We've seen it before during hot, dry spells," explains Laurie Drukier, Cochrane's senior communications advisor, "We're asking people politely in advance so we can try and avoid having to go to a level 2 water restriction. People are usually quite understanding and help out."

Should the water restriction be escalated, a ban is placed on watering lawns and washing vehicles, sidewalks, windows and siding. Watering flower beds and vegetable gardens, though, continues to be permissible and should be done by hand, with a watering can or hose nozzle with trigger control.

"It's important to reduce our use of water so it does not impact the supply needed for households and emergency response," she explains.

Year-round Cochrane has a level one water restriction that promotes water conservation. Between the hours of 5 to 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. to 1 a.m., you can water your flower beds and vegetable gardens as well as use surface and underground sprinklers for up to 15 minutes per section of lawn. Children are permitted to use sprinklers, pools and water toys at any time of the day, providing they shut off water when they're not in use.

Level 3 calls for a complete ban of all outdoor watering.

With the forecast of continuing hot dry weather, there may be further updates over the weekend.