KIRKWOOD, Mo. (KMOX) -  The city of Kirkwood, which operates its own water utility company, is now urging residents to use restraint when watering lawns and gardens.

The voluntary restrictions will remain in effect for the duration of the current heat wave.

One of the main reasons for the request: city leaders say it’s critical for public safety that water storage tanks remain full for firefighting needs.

Typically, grass watering drops significantly when customers realize the futility of trying to maintain a green lawn in the middle of a heat spell, city leaders say.

Coupled with lower water pressure levels and higher-than-normal water bills, officials are suggesting that Kirkwood customers cut back on all lawn watering.

The city of Kirkwood has already reduced its own municipal use of water for general irrigation, and postponed any new tree or landscape planting that would require extensive watering.

“With the city working in cooperation with residents and businesses, we will get through the drought together,” said Mike Brown, Kirkwood’s Chief Administrative Officer.