The hottest months of the year have passed and Frisco residents have done their part to conserve water since Stage 3 restrictions went into place June 1, but city officials are urging residents to continue conservation efforts through the colder months.

Based on water usage numbers in previous years, while outside watering generally goes down voluntarily in December and January, residents still water more than needed in October and November, when the grass begins to go dormant, said Public Works Director Gary Hartwell.

"Generally there is no outdoor watering necessary in the fall and the winter," Hartwell said. "But if you do need to water, then trash day [residents are allowed to water on their respective trash day] is when you should water."

Residents have used 20-30 percent less water per person per day compared to last year, which equates to a savings of about 860 million gallons, the director said.

"We've been very successful," Hartwell said. "Our residents have really helped us out in using water wisely this year."

However, with Lavon Lake still well below normal levels, restrictions are expected to stay in place through fall and winter.

"There is the possibility of having to move to Stage 4 next year, so it's important that we use water extremely wisely this fall and winter," Hartwell said. "Because we are going into the fall, we need to make sure we don't waste any water. We need to keep as much water in the lake as possible, so if we don't get spring rain, we will have enough water to survive next summer."

Water conservation is essential all year long, Hartwell said.

"We believe that water restrictions are needed to use water wisely and use water efficiently year round," Hartwell said. "It's not something we just do in the summer. We can save water all year-round."

Ryegrass seeding, which was a source of major water usage last fall and winter, is not allowed under Stage 3 restrictions. Hartwell said.