FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. -- The University of Arkansas is taking measures to reduce water usage today, after the City of Fayetteville announced it is repairing a major water line leak and asked all residents and businesses to conserve water.

The leak should be repaired and water service fully restored by 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15.

The U of A is one of the single biggest water users in Fayetteville, and facilities management is working with other campus units to reduce water use as much as possible.

• The UA Division of Agriculture will cease irrigation operations that use city water at the University Farm.
• Facilities management is turning  off outdoor sprinkler systems. 
• Laboratories and researchers are being asked to conserve water wherever possible and have all fume hood sashes put in the lowest operable position; if fume hoods are empty of all items, they will be turned off.
• The dining halls will use paper plates and plastic utensils to eliminate the need for using dish washers.
• The process of refilling the HPER pool will be postponed.
• The fountains on campus will be turned off.

In addition to these steps everyone on campus is asked to reduce the amount of water they use as much as possible, until further notice.

There is a possibility that the city will be required by the state Department of Health to issue a Boil Water Order either later today or this evening. It is hoped that if water use is reduced enough this afternoon that this measure will not be necessary.

If a Boil Water Order IS issued the campus will be notified through a RazALERT emergency message, at which time all drinking fountains, sinks, and other sources of drinkable water should be posted immediately so occupants will not drink any water without boiling.