High temperatures and extreme dryness have prompted village administrators to further tighten watering restrictions.

Effective immediately, Mokena has entered the Orange Zone, Tier 1 — limiting residents to four-hour watering spurts in the morning hours, and deeming nighttime watering off-limits. Residents should water lawns between the hours of 7 a.m. and 11 a.m., on odd or even days according to the last digit in their address. 

Residents should also avoid laying any new sod while the restrictions are in place. 

The water conservation rules established in the Orange Zone affect Mokena, Orland Park, New Lenox, Oak Lawn and Tinley Park.

The Orange Zone was implemented because of the hot, dry stretch of weather hovering over the area the past few weeks. 

Mokena has lingered in the less-severe Yellow Zone since mid-June. 

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