The rest of the state is on a less serious drought watch.

But if current trends continue, he said, the city will probably move to a drought watch in September, a status that requires only voluntary measures.

That is the second step in a drought alert process that began three weeks ago with a drought watch.

The mayor stressed that the city would remain under a drought watch, with residents and businesses urged to conserve voluntarily.

On Jan. 17, a drought watch was declared for the city to alert the public to a potentially serious water shortage.

The fact that the city is now under a drought watch adds to the danger.

Noting the drought watch, he added, "We have not received specific instructions to lower water use.

We are the only water system that is not in a drought watch in the immediate area.

Otherwise, he said, "We may have to deal with the serious consequences of a drought warning, a drought watch and/or possibly an emergency."

The drought watch left in its place was lifted in January, and the reservoirs reached full capacity last month.