There’s no doubt that this year’s drought has been devastating to the area. Numerous water districts asked customer to conserve water, and now water on Mississippi River towns, including Quincy and Hannibal, Mo., are tasting and smelling bad from an abundance of brown algae.

While the water may taste bad in Quincy, at least we have not dealt with water restrictions like other areas of the state.

In Springfield, residents are still dealing with restrictions as Lake Springfield levels continue to drop. The lake is at its lowest level in five years

According to The State-Journal Register, Springfield now moves into Stage 4 of its water restrictions, which includes banning pond filling at golf courses, double hydrant meter use fees for water haulers and restricting sewer flushing from hydrants except for health purposes.

Since July 31, cars can only be washed at residences on weekends, restaurants can only provide water to customers when specifically requested and spray irrigation systems and lawn sprinklers can only be ran three days a week.