Lincoln residents are being asked to conserve water this summer by following a designated day schedule for outdoor watering.

"From a precipitation standpoint, we are in fair shape as we begin the season," said Mayor Chris Beutler, noting that precipitation is about 4 inches below normal and temperatures have been slightly below normal.

Still, he said, conditions in other parts of the state affect water supply in Lincoln, and many parts of Nebraska need rain.

The city instituted this designated day schedule six years ago.

* Properties with street addresses ending in even numbers, including zero, are asked to limit watering lawns and washing vehicles to Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

* Properties with addresses ending in odd numbers are asked to limit outdoor watering to Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

* Property owners with more than one street address at the same location can choose either schedule and notify the Lincoln Water System of their decision.

* Those with automatic lawn irrigation systems are encouraged to set them to follow the designated watering days system.

Jerry Obrist, Lincoln Water System Utilities Coordinator, said the use of designated days helps to level out the daily usage of water.

He also said the city's water fees are structured to encourage conservation. The more water used, the higher the rate - $1.16 per unit for the first eight units (about 6,000 gallons) to $1.65 per unit for the next 15 (11,250 gallons) and up to $2.56 a unit for every 750 gallons above 15 units.

A complete description of water rates and the city's Water Management Plan are available at lincoln.ne.gov (keyword: water).