Portales asking to stop outdoor water usage

PORTALES — The city of Portales is asking residents to stop outdoor water usage through Tuesday.

The brief announcement from city administration said outdoor water usage includes but is not limited to lawn and garden watering, car washing and pools.

“The summer weather has been brutal,” the release said, “and the city’s water system has been challenged by more daily demand than the system can handle without having time to recharge.”

The announcement does not refer to any penalties or enforcement.