Connecticut is experiencing Stage 2 Drought conditions due to below normal precipitation.  Residents and businesses are being encouraged to voluntarily undertake water conservation measures to minimize future drought impacts as the summer progresses.  Bethel Water Department customers are encouraged to practice water conservation.  A no more than a twice-a-week lawn watering schedule is being suggested with even numbered addresses watering on Sundays and Wednesdays and odd numbered addresses on Saturdays and Tuesdays.  Residents are encouraged to avoid watering between 10am and 6pm when evaporation rates are highest.  Outdoor watering is considered non-essential and can account for up to 30% to 40% of the total water use of many accounts, especially those with automatic sprinkler systems that frequently over irrigate the landscape.  A similar schedule was implemented throughout Connecticut following the 2016 drought conditions and worked to save water.  Officials say the proposed schedule and watering tips will conserve water by reducing overwatering of lawns and provide balance to the system.  Local conservation efforts can ensure that water supplies remain sufficient for critical needs such as human consumption and fire protection.