The odd-even water schedule is in effect all summer long, in efforts to preserve water across the city of Troy.

If your house number is an odd number, use water on the outside on odd calendar days and if your house number is an even number, use outside water on even calendar days.

Troy uses 4 million gallons of water a day and by spreading out water usages and periods, it assists the water system’s recovery.

“You help the city, and you’re helping your neighbors,” said James Flowers, Troy utilities general manager.

Although it is getting warmer outside, there is no need to panic from fear of drought though.

“The lack of rainfall is technically the key to it all,” said Michael Garrison, a meteorologist from the National Weather Service in Birmingham.

“(The climate) starts reaching drought criteria when rainfall is 69 percent or more below normal.”

One of the worst droughts on record was in 2007 when nearly 700 people were treated for heat stress, 164 admitted for overnight care and 13 heat-related fatalities were recorded.

Thus far, Troy has received 24 inches of rain, which is close to average, and does not foresee a reoccurrence of 2007 this year.

Although there is no expectance of a drought, by volunteering to preserve water helps keep the city’s water supply in good condition.