It's hot, hazy and humid. Kids are frolicking outdoors, playing sports, swimming, or just wasting the day away. These recognizable signs all point to summer, and with summer comes the increased use of water. With that in mind, the Plainview Water District wants to remind its consumers that Nassau County has rules concerning lawn sprinkling and hose usage. Please learn the following simple rules, which will be strictly enforced, and observe them. Conserving our water benefits everyone.

Concerning lawn sprinkling:

1. All water sprinkling for lawns, gardens and shrubbery is prohibited between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

2. Houses with even-numbered street addresses may water their lawns on even-numbered calendar days, during the prescribed hours (from midnight to 10 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to midnight). Houses with odd-numbered street addresses may sprinkle on odd-numbered calendar days during the prescribed hours. Houses with no street numbers may sprinkle on even-numbered calendar days during the prescribed hours.

Concerning hose usage.

1. All hoses for exterior water must be fitted with a hand operated automatic-off nozzle valve.

2. The hosing of driveways, sidewalks and streets is prohibited.

The dog days of summer are here and the Plainview Water District has provided the following tips for reducing water usage during the hazy, crazy days of summer:

* Use a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways, walks and patios.

* Keep grass at least two inches high to shade roots and hold moisture.

* Aerate lawns regularly and use mulch around plants to reduce evaporation.

* Water trees slowly, deeply and infrequently to encourage deep rooting.

"With the hottest days of the year still ahead of us, it's important to remind the residents of Plainview of the ways to conserve water in the summer," stated Donald Rosen, chairman of the board of commissioners for the Plainview Water District. "These are just a few helpful hints to keep in mind through July, August, and September."