After a long spell without any substantial rain, people in Middlebury are being asked to conserve water, and Bristol’s fire warden told residents to stop doing elective burns.

In the shire town, Middlebury officials on Thursday announce that they are asking all residents to immediately reduce non-essential water use to help preserve this vital resource.

The reason: extremely dry conditions and below-average rainfall.

Middlebury asked people to:

• Refrain from lawn watering and car washing.

• Shorten showers and turn off taps when not in use.

• Run dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads.

• Check for and repair leaks promptly.

“Every drop counts,” a town alert said. “Conserving water now will help ensure there’s enough for essential needs in the weeks ahead.”

As an illustration of how low water levels are, Otter Creek flowing over the falls in downtown Middlebury has been reduced to a trickle in the past week, with rocks more prominent than water.

In related action, the town of Bristol’s fire chief on Wednesday posted a “no-burn” advisory due to the heat and lack of rain.

In a Front Porch Forum post, Bristol Fire Chief Brett LaRose noted that the state of Vermont is experiencing “very high” fire danger due to extremely dry conditions.

“The State of Vermont Wildland Fire Program has instructed fire wardens to cease issuing burn permits which the town of Bristol will comply with,” LaRose wrote. “Residents are urged to avoid open burning, exercise caution with outdoor activities that involve fire, and properly extinguish cigarettes.”