Residents in the Richmond area are being asked to conserve water because dry weather has lowered water levels in the James River.

Richmond's Department of Public Utilities and Henrico, Hanover and Goochland counties announced the voluntary conservation measure Monday.

The James River is Richmond's sole source of drinking water and the city provides water to the counties.

Director of the Department of Public Utilities Chris Beschler says residents can lessen the strain on the water supply by voluntarily conserving water.

The voluntary measures will be lifted if significant rainfall raises the river's water levels.