Cranberry Township officials are asking their residents and businesses to voluntarily reduce water usage.

Despite the fact the township is not currently under a drought emergency declaration, the township said in its Tuesday, Aug. 12, release that the request comes in response to “recent high temperatures and a historic, prolonged lack of rainfall.”

Suggested measures include limiting outdoor watering to the hours of 5 p.m. to 9 a.m., using watering methods that minimize waste, postponing nonessential water uses and reusing water, where possible.

The release also said water can be saved by shortening showers, fixing leaks promptly and running only full loads in dishwashers and washing machines.

According to the release, the township will provide updates as they become available.

For more information on water conservation tips and drought preparedness, the township recommended visiting www.dep.pa.gov/Drought or contacting the Cranberry Township Customer Service Center.