INDIANAPOLIS -  

Citizens Energy Group lifted voluntary water restrictions in Indianapolis on Friday, but customers were still encouraged to conserve water when possible.

On September 5, Citizens asked customers to limit watering to once per week for lawns and three days a week for sod. Citizens also asked customers to refrain from washing cars and using a hose to clean sidewalks, driveways and other surfaces. Voluntary water use restrictions followed mandatory restrictions that were in place since July 13 during a two-month drought that covered much of the Midwest.

“Thanks to conservation by our customers and recent heavy rains, water levels at area reservoirs have recovered enough to allow the lifting of voluntary water use restrictions,” said Carey Lykins, President and CEO of Citizens Energy Group. “Everyone in the Indianapolis area should be commended for working with Citizens to conserve water during the recent historic drought.”

Currently Morse Reservoir is about three feet from full and Eagle Creek Reservoir is about two feet from full, which are not unusual levels for this time of year. Geist Reservoir is now full, officials said.

“Although area reservoirs have recovered significantly from the worst drought in 56 years, Citizens will be carefully monitoring levels throughout the fall to ensure our water supplies are well positioned for next year,” Lykins said.