The city of Hudson August 24 announced a Water Reserve Advisory due to drought conditions that began weeks ago,. During that time the level of the Churchtown Reservoir has dropped one foot, or 5.5 million gallons and the water level is continuing to drop almost one-and-one-half inches, or 675,000 gallons each day. The city consumes 1.1 million gallons per day. As a result, city officials are asking city residents and businesses to reduce their consumption of water, voluntarily. Should drought conditions persist, it may become necessary to declare a water emergency and impose formal restrictions, according to city officials. Among the actions individual households and businesses can take to conserve water: turn off the faucet while shaving, washing up, brushing teeth, and washing dishes; repairing dripping and leaking faucets and toilets; do not run the tap to make the water cold or hot. Instead, keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator; throw items like used facial tissues into the waste basket instead of flushing them down the toilet; wash only full loads of dishes and laundry; take shorter showers or fill the bathtub only part way. To save water outdoors: cut your grass to a longer length; use a pool cover; mulch around shrubs and garden plants to save soil moisture; wash cars less frequently, but if necessary take vehicles to a car wash that recycles water. More information is available at CityofHudson [dot] org.