July 5, 2026, 6:02 a.m. ET Americans across the nation are being asked (or ordered) to conserve water, thanks to widespread drought made even worse by a punishing heat wave. It’s being felt this summer in Virginia, the Carolinas, Pennsylvania, Colorado, New Jersey and more. Take shorter showers. Turn the water off while you brush your teeth. Don’t wash your car at home or water your lawn. These are some of the asks of residents in communities around the country.