LINCOLN — Drought conditions in eastern Nebraska are prompting recommendations to proactively conserve water when irrigating lawns, washing clothes and even brushing your teeth.

The City of Lincoln last week instituted voluntary conservation steps, including alternating which days residents should water lawns and gardens.

That hasn’t happened yet in Omaha and surrounding communities, but it’s likely to happen, according to John Winkler, the general manager of the Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District.

“Why not do it now, because it’s coming,” Winkler said Tuesday. “The more we can conserve now, the better.”

A large swath of east-central Nebraska, from Geneva northward to near South Sioux City, is listed as in “exceptional drought” in the current U.S. drought monitor map.

The year 2022 was the fourth driest on record in Nebraska, with most of the state receiving less than 70% of normal precipitation.

Winkler said he’s never seen reservoirs so low in his NRD, which covers most of eastern Nebraska.

Despite some recent rains, the eastern part of Nebraska is still running behind on precipitation this year. Nearly 70% of the entire state is labeled as being in exceptional, extreme or severe drought.

That prompted the Lower Platte River Consortium this week to  encourage the public to take proactive steps to conserve water.

Among the water conservation steps encouraged by the federal Environmental Protection Agency:

Take short showers instead of tub baths. Turn off the water flow while soaping or shampooing.

Do not let the water run while shaving or brushing teeth.

Operate the dishwasher only when completely full.

Use the appropriate water level or load size selection on the washing machine.

Sweep driveways, sidewalks and steps rather than hosing off.

Wash the car with water from a bucket, or consider using a commercial car wash that recycles water.

Repair all leaks. A leaky toilet can waste 200 gallons of water per day.

Water the lawn or garden during the coolest part of the day (early morning is best). Do not water on windy days.

Water trees and shrubs, which have deep root systems, longer and less frequently.

Raise your lawn mower cutting height — longer grass blades help shade each other, cut down on evaporation and inhibit weed growth.

This story was originally published by Nebraska Examiner, an editorially independent newsroom providing a hard-hitting, daily flow of news. It is part of the national nonprofit States Newsroom. Find more at nebraskaexaminer.com.