JOPLIN, Mo. — The Missouri American Water Co. is asking all of its water customers in the Joplin Metro Area to voluntarily conserve water until further notice from the company.

Other water providers, both rural and municipal, also are asking their customers to voluntarily conserve water until further notice.

The company, in a statement released this morning, said the drought is having an impact on the company’s water reserves.

Shoal Creek, the main source of supply for Joplin, is currently down to a flow of 48 cubic feet per second, according to the United States Geological Survey monitoring system.

The normal flow this time of year is around 400 cubic feet per second.

“Missouri American Water is taking these proactive actions today to avoid taking additional measures to restrict water usage,’’ said Matthew Barnhart, the company’s operations manager.

“If these conditions persist, there is a chance the restrictions may become mandatory.’’

Missouri American Water is asking residents to follow a defined outdoor watering schedule. People with odd-numbered street addresses should water only on odd calendar days. Those with even-numbered street addresses should water only on even calendar days.

The company also is asking residents to avoid watering during the peak demand hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Residents are also being asked to assist in the report of water leaks in their neighborhoods by notifying the customer service center at 1-866-430-0820.

Here are some from Missouri American Water to help customers use water wisely.

— Don’t allow children to play with the hose or sprinklers just for fun.

— Use a broom, not a hose, to clean porches and driveways.

— Check faucets and pipes for leaks. Even the smallest drip from an aging shower head can waste 20 or more gallons of water a day.

— Turn off the water while shaving and brushing your teeth.

— Take shorter showers.

— Run dishwashers and washing machines only when full and when necessary.

— When washing dishes by hand, don’t run water freely to rinse. Fill a second sink with water instead.

— Don’t let the faucet run when you clean fruits and vegetables. Rinse them in a filled sink or pan of water.