The lack of rain is forcing some Central Texans into watering restrictions, and it prompted an unprecedented move by the City of Cedar Park.

Cedar Park is aligning itself with the City of Austin and the LCRA in a new initiative to have people across the cities follow a simple watering schedule.

The National Drought Mitigation Center puts out a drought index every week. The latest shows a good portion of Central Texas in an exceptional drought - the most severe drought category. All of Central Texas is experiencing some type of drought.

The City of Cedar Park is teaming with the LCRA and the City of Austin to bring the state's "Water IQ" to the city.

Water IQ is an awareness campaign to help people save water. With this campaign comes the watering schedule that is in line with Austin's twice weekly watering schedule. Odd numbered houses can water Wednesday and Saturday; even numbered houses can water Thursday and Sunday. Businesses can water Tuesday and Friday.

“By having a standard watering schedule it makes it easier for everyone to follow,” says Cedar Park’s Mayor Bob Lemon. “We hope this schedule becomes the standard for the whole Central Texas area. The whole area will be able to follow the same schedule and get even greater benefit out of following it.”

“The drought conditions remind us that we all have an obligation to use water wisely, throughout the year regardless of the weather situation," says LCRA's Tom Mason. "Now is the time to save water for the future, and it is doable.”

Also as of July 1st - those in the Manville water supply district are required to follow that same schedule.