With McHenry County trapped in a drought, leaders are urging voluntary water conservation as the leaders discuss what to do if the situation worsens.

The county is urging residents to avoid washing cars, limit watering lawns and gardens to absolute necessity, turn off water while shaving and brushing teeth, take shorter showers and use dishwashers and washing machines only when full.

Meanwhile, the county is organizing a summit of municipal officials, farmers and other high-volume water users such as golf courses to talk about a response should dry conditions continue, said Mary McCann, chairwoman of the McHenry County Board Natural and Environmental Resources Committee. County residents get their water from aquifers.