Cary, N.C. — The town of Cary announced Thursday it will extend its ban on outdoor watering until at least Feb. 29.

The ban includes the use of irrigation systems, sprinklers or other automated watering devices.

"While we have been very pleased with the work that our citizens have been doing to conserve water, the extended forecast continues to call for warmer temperatures and below average rainfall," said Interim Public Works and Utilities Director Mike Bajorek. "We are really taking this step to prepare our community in case water levels drop off during the winter. In February, we will reassess the levels at Jordan Lake and our current conservation measures."

The announcement comes the same day Gov. Mike Easley said it was everyone's "patriotic duty" to conserve water in the midst of the worse drought in state history.

Hand washing, pressure washing and car washing are still allowed any day of the week, but town officials are urging residents to be mindful about their water usage.