(KLZA)-- The Pawnee City Water Commissioner has put customers of the Pawnee City Water System on Stage 2 water rationing due to drought conditions.

Stage 2 water rationing is put in effect whenever total consumption for the preceeding day was higher than the waterworks system can handle, to be determned by the Water Commissioner or City Council.

Under Stage 2 water rationing no person shall use water to sprinkle a lawn, or use water through a hose to water any garden, tree or shrub, except as follows:

Sprinkling shall be permitted on even number days at residences and businesses North of 7th Street. On odd numbered days sprinkling may be done at residences and businesses South of 7th Street.

The restictions apply to all residences and to all businesses and institutions with lawns, gardens, trees or shrubs and shall be followed at all parks and public buildings owned by the City. The restrictions shall not apply to any persons, firm or corporation engaged in the business of growing or selling plants of any kind.

No water shall be used from a hose to wash automobiles, excpet at places of business where autos are washed on evey business day. Any person may wash an automobile with water from a bucket.

No private swimming pool shall be filled. Swimming pools that were filled before stage 2 water conservation went into effect may have water added to make up losses through evaporation or splashing. Water lost through draining or through leaks in the pool may not be made up during stage 2 water rationing.