Officials in Decatur are asking the public to use less water due to an ongoing drought that lowers Lake Decatur levels by half an inch each day.

City Manager Ryan McCrady says Decatur could implement mandatory water conservation measures by the beginning of August if conditions don't improve.

McCrady says the area never really recovered from last year's drought and it is well below normal precipitation levels for the last year.

The city is encouraging residents to install water-efficient fixtures, repair leaky plumbing and opt for short showers instead of baths. Large industrial customers have also been asked to conserve water, and the city is warning boaters to be aware of shallow water levels on the lake.