How can I conserve water during a boil water advisory?

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- As Richmond grapples with its second boil water advisory of the year, officials are asking residents to conserve water. But what does conservation actually look like?

As of the evening of Tuesday, May 27, several neighborhoods in both the city's Northside and Southside are under a boil water advisory. This was issued after problems at the city's water treatment plant resulted in the water system losing water pressure.

While only residents in the impacted areas need to boil their water before using it for most purposes, all residents are being asked to conserve water.

To restore water pressure, the impacted water reservoir needs to refill to its proper levels. The less water residents use, the faster the reservoir will be able to fill.

MORE: Officials provide more details on why Richmonders are yet again under boil water advisory

While conservation is not required, officials hope that residents will act to benefit the greater community and protect essential city services.

The city provided the following tips for water conservation:

• Take shorter showers, and less of them.
• Limit flushing your toilet.
• Delay doing laundry and washing your dishes.
• Use disposable plates and utensils when possible.
• Avoid washing your car, sidewalks and driveways. Avoid using a pressure washer.
• Use bottled water when possible, such as when cooking, brushing your teeth and washing produce.
• Ensure your taps are turned off when they're not in use.
• Check your taps for drips and report leaks to RVA 311.

Mayor Danny Avula told the media Tuesday night that, if all goes well, the boil water advisory could be lifted as early as midday on Thursday, May 29.