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http://www.theindychannel.com/news/3128092...tmlINDIANAPOLIS -- All of Indiana is now under a water shortage warning amid a streak of dry, hot weather, with all Hoosiers being urged to conserve.

A water shortage warning is the second-most severe stage and includes a voluntary reduction of 10 to 15 percent of water usage across the state.

"The variety of dry conditions have persisted around the state have really put us into uncharted territory in terms of the drought and water and potential for water shortages into the future," said Indiana Department of Homeland Security Executive Director Joe Wainscott.

Indiana faces a historic drought with no substantial break in the pattern of heat and lack of rain.

Among the primary drinking water sources for Indianapolis, Morse Reservoir is currently about 5.9 feet below full at 804.10 feet. Geist Reservoir is at 783.01 feet, down nearly 2 feet from full, and Eagle Creek Reservoir is at 787.70 feet, 2.30 feet below full as of Tuesday, Citizens Water said.

Indianapolis and several surrounding communities have instituted bans on lawn watering amid the drought conditions.

Citizens Water said water usage has dropped from 200 million gallons a day to 160 million gallons a day.

Dr. Virginia Caine, director of the Marion County Health Department, urged people to stay out of the heat, use their air conditioning and to check on their elderly neighbors.

"We can't let our guard down," she said.

Schools were also asked not to hold football or band practice outside during the heat streak.

The next step up from a water shortage warning would be a water shortage emergency, which would be declared by the governor and would involve mandatory water restrictions.