RICHMOND, Va. (AP) -- Gov. Timothy M. Kaine is urging stepped-up water conservation because of the drought and prospects for a drier-than-normal winter.

Localities should update water conservation and drought contingency ordinances and prepare to implement them, Kaine said Tuesday.

Also, he said, citizens and businesses should conserve water regardless of whether local governments have asked them to do so. This includes minimizing vehicle washing and irrigation, checking for water leaks in the home, limiting showers to less than five minutes, turning off water during teeth-brushing, and operating dishwashers and clothes washers only with full loads.

"These simple actions when performed by millions of citizens throughout the Commonwealth can result in a significant reduction in the stresses placed on our water resources," Kaine said.

Last week's widespread rainfall addressed short-term water shortages, but the overall precipitation deficit remains, Kaine said. If predictions of a dry winter materialize, the state will be in a signifiant drought when the growing season begins in the spring, he said.

Kaine also has ordered all executive branch agencies and institutions to review existing drought water conservation and contingency plans or develop new plans and eliminate non-essential water use.

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