Oklahoma City could set all-time record high temperature Wednesday

Debbie Ragan, spokeswoman for the city's Utilities Department, said Saturday's water usage of 202 million gallons was an all-time record. Monday's usage was 194 million gallons.

Before this year, the record for water usage in a single day was 189 million gallons. The city has averaged between 190 and 200 million gallons of water usage over the last week or so, despite mandatory water rationing, Ragan said.

The city is on an even/odd water rotation schedule. So far, city officials have issued warnings to those violating the restrictions, but have not issued citations. Ragan said that may change Wednesday. The fine for violating the rules is $167.

“Typically if we do ask people to conserve water, they will do it,” Ragan said. “If a customer gets a warning, that gets their attention. Sometimes people have their sprinkler system set and they just don't change it.”

Authorities are pleading with people to plan ahead and drink extra water so they don't become victims of the heat.

“What would help us most is if people would take the heat seriously,” O'Leary said. “It's an oven out there. It is literally killing people.”