By The Associated Press KWCH 12 Eyewitness News

2:27 p.m. CDT, July 11, 2012
(RUSSELL, Kan.)—
The central Kansas town of Russell is taking steps to conserve water.
   
The Russell City Council has voted in special session to approve a resolution moving the city into Stage 3 water conservation, a step away from its most restrictive stage. The resolution bans outside watering of gardens, lawns, trees and playing fields except for one day a week. The day coincides an individual property's trash pickup day.
   
The Hays Daily News reports that watering then is allows only before 10 a.m. and after 9 p.m.
   
City officials say industrial users also are being asked to reduce water use to 75 percent of average monthly consumption.
   
Much of Kansas has been under drought conditions recently, compounded by excessively hot weather and high winds.