SILER CITY-- Every drop of water is precious, especially in Siler City.

The town's Rocky River reservoir has been shrinking for months due to a lack of rain and is now below 60% capacity. Because of that, city officials have put in place voluntary water restrictions since October.

"If people actually saw how low the lake is right now, they would better understand the concern to voluntarily restrict their water," said Siler City Water Treatment Plant superintendent Phillip Perkins.

The reservoir is now eleven feet lower than its usual level. Although the water levels have not dropped as fast since the restrictions were put in place, they are still declining--and will continue to decline until the next rainfall.

"We try and educate the public and make them aware of the importance of it," said Siler City manager Bryan Thompson. "We just ask that folks are conscious and make their own limited self-sacrifices so that we can get through the drought.​"

The voluntary water restrictions will become mandatory if the city's water supply falls below 40%.