Regions of the Pembina Valley were warned Tuesday afternoon by the Pembina Valley Water Co-op to avoid using water unnecessarily.

Water demand has risen beyond supply as warm weather and sprayer season make home to south central Manitoba for the time being.

The Letellier water treatment plant has seen a decrease in levels, and officials have been hoping for rainfall to restore some of the supply.

Meanwhile, some areas such as the Town of Carman and the Town of Morris, have not yet been impacted by the water shortage.

Carman has been able to maintain its water supply with help from Stephenfield and Morris, which have been feeding Carman's demand. However, Morris did shut off its provision to Carman in concern for its own needs.

For the future, Morris Mayor Gavin van der Linde said the PVWC is looking to partner the Morris and Letellier plants to offset the results of any potential droughts.

Though these communities have not yet felt the intense impacts of the shortage, officials urge residents to continue to conserve water until further notice.

Meantime, the R.M. of Morris, which is serviced by the Letellier plant, is feeling the impact recent dry conditions. Reeve Ralph Groening says water pressure is starting to decrease.

He has a reminder to pass along. "We need to remember that the water is there first of all for human consumption, and then for animals, and then additionally for agricultural purposes."