The Fayette County Water System is asking residential customers to voluntarily cut their water usage by 10 percent from the same time last year in light of the continuing drought conditions.

The request is being communicated inside bills that are currently being sent to customers, which is the traditional communication avenue for the water system.

There is no penalty for water customers who fail to meet the 10 percent reduction request, said Water System Director Tony Parrott. The water system is also working with its largest customers in a bid to achieve large-scale savings where possible.

Gov. Sonny Perdue has asked water systems across the state to reduce their consumption by 10 percent.

Although the water system doesn’t currently have the technology yet, there are ways to give water customers a “real time” look into their water usage, similar to the peak usage indicators offered on power meters, Parrott said.

Meanwhile, should the drought get worse, it’s possible that further cutbacks could come in the form of using disposable plates and tableware at restaurants and school cafeterias, officials have said.

Fayette and other metro Atlanta counties are already under a complete outdoor watering ban, meaning that lawns must go unsprinkled and cars must go unwashed, unless they are washed at a commercial car wash, many of which recycle water.