Not freezing? Stop your faucet from dripping. That’s the message from the Alabama Department of Environmental Management amid days of freezing temperatures.

“Due to excessive water demand experienced by many public water systems across the state, the Alabama Department of Environmental Management is requesting that residents and businesses discontinue dripping faucets once temperatures are above freezing,” the agency said in a release.

READ MORE: Winter weather advisory issued for parts of Alabama, Tennessee

Utilities across the state are struggling to keep up with increased consumer demand, exacerbated by leaks from frozen pipes as they thaw, ADEM said. The public is asked to help by checking for leaks inside and outside of their homes and businesses and, if they are found, shut off the water supply until repairs are made.

If there is a major leak and are unable to shut off supply, customers are asked to contact their local water supplier. This is particularly important for vacant buildings with water service that has not already been disconnected.

Another round of freezing temperatures is forecast for most of the state this weekend. ADEM recommends using insulated covers for outdoor faucets whenever possible as an alternative to dripping faucets.