WAXHAW, N.C. -- Union County is asking folks who live there to hold off on throwing on the sprinklers. The Department of Public Works issued an advisory for a voluntary halt on yard irrigation.

• Officials say hot weather has caused excessive water use
• Residents have used 22 million gallons each day
• Officials plan to life the advisory once temperatures drop or rainfall occurs

"Lawns are nice to have, but they're not a necessity. Rather, make sure places that need the water get the water," said resident and business owner Neil Gimmon.

The hot weather caused the excessive water use. The department explained that residents have consumed 22 million gallons per day. Their treatment plants hold a maximum per day of 25 million gallons. Typical usage hovers around 13-17 million gallons.

"Just the stress of it having to run at that speed for so long, that's when pipes can break and things like that happen," said DPW Community Relations Manager Brookes Versaggi. 

Union County officials say they'll lift this once the temperatures drop and a significant rainfall occurs.